Reunion brings joy to sergeant's family: 101st Airborne soldier's first day home

The Louisville Courier-Journal ^ | James Malone

[xzins]

FORT CAMPBELL, Ky. ; Standing in formation with his fellow soldiers who had just arrived from Iraq, Staff Sgt. Ronnie Silverhorn kept his jaw straight and his rifle steady ; but his eyes gave him away.

Silverhorn, an Army Ranger, couldn't help the tear that formed, and the broad smile that crept over his face, as he saw his wife, children and parents in the hangar, just before his Alpha Company of the 3rd Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment was dismissed.

[xzins]

Andrea Silverhorn, left, smiled as her husband, Staff Sgt. Ronnie Silverhorn, held their son, Jadan, 5, after returning from Iraq. In front was their daughter, Jada, 8. Silverhorn left home for Iraq last February.

[xzins]

GNFI PING

CAPT. JOHN BRYAN, Silverhorn's commanding officer, was highly complimentary of the sergeant. "If my sons ever go to war, and I hope they never have to, I want them to go with him," said Bryan. "I can't say enough for him and the job he did."

[Grampa Dave]

A warrior returns home to his family and tribe of warriors:

"Silverhorn wants to go back to his Oklahoma home, where his Kiowa tribe will welcome him and perform a ceremonial dance to induct him into The Black Leggings Warrior Society, a tribal group for veterans of military campaigns."

Thanksf or posting this and pinging me.

[Sacajaweau]

Oh, the screen in blurry again.

[EggsAckley]

What a GREAT picture. So glad you posted it!

[Ragtime Cowgirl]

Great post, xzins. Thank you! You forgot the "blurry screen alert." (^:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Staff Sgt. Ronnie Silverhorn kept his jaw straight and his rifle steady ; but his eyes gave him away.

Silverhorn, an Army Ranger, couldn't help the tear that formed, and the broad smile that crept over his face, as he saw his wife, children and parents in the hangar, just before his Alpha Company of the 3rd Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment was dismissed.

Then, loved ones mobbed the more than 200 soldiers who, after leaving home in February, returned Thursday night on one of the first flights bringing 101st Airborne Division soldiers back from a war that claimed nearly 60 of their ranks.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Welcome home, Sgt. Silverhorn!

[RightWingMama]

Yes, we definitely need more "blurry screen alerts".
Thanks for the ping.

[Alamo-Girl]

Bump!

[xzins]

The toughest time for the family on the home front was moving day. "There I was, alone with the children, and the movers had just dropped the boxes off," she said. "It was hard." She also began attending services at a Fort Campbell chapel where she was able to share experiences with other military spouses.

A military Chapel, Chaplain, and CA bump!

There for the soldiers; there for the families.

[Alamo-Girl]

Indeed. Volley bump!

[fourdeuce82d]

Interesting story, can't figure out why the text got all blurry half way through.

two weeks of half-day debriefings and getting their gear in order before receiving 30-day leaves.

Very, very wise- bring them back as a group, let them acllimate a little as a group...don't just send them off by onesies and twosies going from combat to civieland in 24 hours.

[xzins]

Excellent thoughts. You are right on the money!

[tbpiper]

24 days and counting down.

[xzins]

hoooo-ahhhh, piper.

We're praying with you.

[Colonel Jim]

Young man, I deeply thank you for your service to our country!

[xzins]

Sir, thank you for YOUR service.

I'm an active duty retiree. I was in the 101 once upon a time....326 Engr Bn.


Xzins
Chaplain (Retired) US Army

[blackie]

Reunion brings joy to sergeant's family: 101st Airborne soldier's first day home ~ Bump!

[2Jedismom]

But for now, Silverhorn wants to go back to his Oklahoma home, where his Kiowa tribe will welcome him and perform a ceremonial dance to induct him into The Black Leggings Warrior Society, a tribal group for veterans of military campaigns.

While living conditions in Iraq were primitive, they weren't entirely Spartan. Silverhorn said he was able to see his beloved Oklahoma Sooners play five or six times on the battalion's only satellite television.

"That was exciting, even though I'd have to get up at 3 a.m., and it would be freezing, and walk to the (tent)," he said. "That didn't faze me at all."

Oooooooklahoma Ping!

[E.G.C.]

BTTT!!!!!!

[2Jedismom]

I found this on the internet...wonder if this is the event they will be honoring him at?

Bet this would be a good thing to take the Jedis to...

Kiowa Black Leggings Society - Anadarko
May 14 - 16, 2004
Indian City Dance Grounds
Anadarko, OK
Phone: 580-654-2300
Fax: 405-247-5661
This event honors people who are serving or have served in the military. Ceremony will include presentation of colors, singing of war mother's song, and social dancing. Bring your own lawn chairs.
General Info: Free Admission, Handicap Accessible
Tour Group Services: Tour Bus Parking
Event Hours: Begins at 2pm