First group from brigade returns Thursday

FORT DRUM — After a year in harm’s way, several soldiers from the 10th Mountain Division’s 3rd Brigade Combat Team returned to base Thursday night.

The 100 soldiers forming the brigade’s torch party, or first returning soldiers. were greeted with a standing ovation from the approximately 400 family and friends in attendance as they marched into Magrath Sports Complex.

Stationed around Kandahar Province for the last 12 months, the brigade was a part of 70 air assaults, and five major operations pairing with Afghan soldiers. More than 1,500 soldiers in the brigade received Combat Action Badges, while 104 soldiers were presented with awards for valorous acts.

Maj. Joseph E. Hoffman, the brigade’s rear detachment commander, commended the brigade’s work in Afghan communities.

“Every day progress is being made,” Maj. Hoffman said.

Among Thursday night’s crowd was Rami L. Heald, who came with her daughters, Reina, 4, and Rachelle, 3, to welcome home her husband, Sgt. James Aaron Heald.

Over the weekend, Mrs. Heald had made a sign with her daughters reading “Welcome home Aaron ... we miss you daddy.”

She said the wait for her husband’s return became depressing at times.

“You just try to make the best of the situation,” Mrs. Heald said.

Following the ceremony, Sgt. Heald said he was excited to see his daughters.

“It’s good to see they’re doing well,” he said. “Momma did good.” Besides spending time with family, Sgt. Heald said, he looked forward to cheering on the New York Giants during the Super Bowl on Sunday.

Spc. Angel Antonio Roman Jr. had a party of four waiting to welcome him home.

“We were nervous,” said Nancy G. Orengo, his mother. “We’re glad he’s home.”

His fiancée, Carmen Trujillo, said her hands were sweaty as she waited for the start of the ceremony. Ms. Trujillo was joined by her mother, Martha Castaneda.

Spc. Roman’s sister, Nancy A. Roman, collaborated with Ms. Trujillo to make a sign for her brother. Ms. Roman, a member of the Army Reserve, ,said her unit would deploy in March.

Getting to see his family after the ceremony, Spc. Roman said he was excited.

“I can’t explain it,” he said. He said he looked forward to the safety of home.

“No rockets ... I’m good,” Spc. Roman said.

The ceremony was the first of 14 for the brigade. The brigade’s 3,500 soldiers will return over the next six weeks.