At Fort Hood, a reason to rejoice (Post welcomes home III Corps)

AUSTIN AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF ^ | Saturday, March 05, 2005 | By Anita Powell

[Arrowhead1952]

By Anita Powell

AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF

Saturday, March 05, 2005

Post welcomes home III Corps soldiers from Iraq.

FORT HOOD — Gray skies and cold weather didn't diminish high spirits at a ceremony celebrating the homecoming of about 600 soldiers from Fort Hood's III Corps on Friday afternoon.

The one-hour ceremony, full of pomp and pride, showed the uncasing of the division's blue and white flag, welcomed soldiers home and celebrated successes from the group's one-year deployment to Iraq.

The ceremony attracted Army and civilian guests and dignitaries.

"I'm here to show my support for the American heroes who are returning, and those who are not returning," said U.S. Rep. John Carter, R-Round Rock, whose district includes Fort Hood.

U.S. Rep. Chet Edwards, D-Waco, whose district included Fort Hood from 1991 to 2004, also attended. "They can take Fort Hood out of my district," he said. "They can't take it out of my heart."

Edwards, who serves on the House Appropriations Committee, said he will support a $70 billion to $80 billion military appropriations bill, as well as a separate bill to increase the one-time soldier death benefit to $100,000, up from $12,000, and to increase soldier life insurance payouts to $400,000, up from $250,000.

Retired Cmdr. Theron Johnson, 72, who served in the division from 1950 to 1970, including a stint in the Korean War, also was on hand.

Soldiers from the Fort Hood-based corps returned to the post in small groups from December to February).

"We want the young people to know we support them," Johnson said. "They've got to believe what they're serving for. We're trying to give freedom to people who've never known it."

Spc. Joseph Garber, 26, returned to his home in Killeen on Feb. 4 after 13 months at Camp Victory in Baghdad, away from his wife, Melody, 22, and daughter Chloie, 20 months.

"Sometimes it was kind of scary," he said. "But I'm very proud. I wouldn't take anything back."

Those thoughts were echoed by Capt. Marilyn Walls, 36, whose return after a year in Baghdad has inspired her to appreciate American life more, she said. She said she celebrated her return by going shopping — for a new house in Killeen, which she's in the process of buying.

"I feel great," she said. "I have no problems mentally or physically."

The ceremony included a firing of 13 cannon volleys, which covered the crowd of about 300 soldiers and civilians in a haze of sweet, acrid smoke. The 4th Infantry Division Band played patriotic standards — "The Star-Spangled Banner," "America the Beautiful" and the "Army Song," which soldiers saluted and civilians honored with their hands over their hearts.

Officials also awarded Maj. Gen. Walter Natynczyk, a visiting soldier from the Canadian Forces who was deputy commanding general for the III Corps in Iraq for three( years, with the Legion of Merit for meritorious service. On Friday, he was commissioned an admiral in the Texas Navy by Gov. Rick Perry, who did not attend. Natynczyk's wife, Leslie, was named a Yellow Rose of Texas and was given an award for public service.

Officials also bestowed a Bronze Star to Col. Donald E. Jackson for exceptionally valorous actions in Najaf in 2004.

"In my mind, these soldiers made history," said Maj. Gen. James E. Simmons, who served at Fort Hood for the duration of Operation Iraqi Freedom. "They did not get the credit; they just worried about getting the job done."

[Arrowhead1952]

'In my mind, these soldiers made history,' Maj. Gen. James E. Simmons, right, said Friday. He was greeted by Lt. Gen. Thomas Metz.

[AZamericonnie]

Welcome home Fort Hood's III Corps!!Job well done...bless all who serve.

[StarCMC]

Welcome Home, III Corps!!     Woo-hoo!!     Thank you for your sacrifice in service for our country! You make me     Take a break - put your feet up!  You deserve it! HUGS!