About 150 Soldiers with the 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, returned Dec. 29 to Fort Riley after spending about eight months in eastern Afghanistan. The Soldiers were the first group to return, leading the way for the rest of the brigade to redeploy during the coming months.

Numerous loved ones and 1st Inf. Div. senior leaders attended the welcome home ceremony. Brig. Gen. Donald MacWillie, senior commander, Fort Riley, spoke to the waiting Families and the Soldiers. As the Soldiers marched into the room, the crowd cheered and waved signs.

The Soldiers were released from their formation, and a wave of Family members and friends rushed to hug and kiss their much-missed Soldiers.

“It’s nice,” said Pfc. Jacob Hailey. “It’s nice to be home and see friends and Family and have a chance to relax for a while.

Hailey’s mother, Gina Jacquot, and other Family members and friends were also present to greet Hailey. “It feels wonderful to see all these Soldiers come home,” Jacquot said. “The hardest thing was not knowing what they’re going through, not being able to pick up the phone and call them and not being able to talk about their experience. That is the hardest thing for a mother to go through. It’s the best feeling knowing my baby is safe and sound and back at home.”

By Sgt. Scott Lamberson
4th IBCT Public Affairs

Scott Lamberson  |  4TH IBCT
Above: A couple hugs and kisses for the first time Dec. 29 during a welcome home ceremony at Fort Riley for the first group from the 4th IBCT to return from Afghanistan.

Soldiers with the 4th IBCT stand in formation Dec. 29 during a welcome home ceremony at Fort Riley.

CAPTION : Soldiers with the 4th IBCT stand in formation Dec. 29 during a welcome home ceremony at Fort Riley. Scott Lamberson | 4TH IBCT

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