A bright April sun showered its rays across Orangeburg’s National Guard Armory Friday afternoon while birds sang sweetly in the nearby trees, lifting a song in praise as the world came alive with color and blossom.

Nature’s song joined in the chorus of hearts of the families and friends who gathered at the Stonewall Jackson National Guard Armory to celebrate their own sense of completeness: the return of their loved ones after a yearlong deployment to Afghanistan.

About 35 soldiers from Orangeburg’s 218th Brigade Company B/163rd Battalion as well as Walterboro’s Company A/163rd Battalion arrived at the armory in five vans in regal style with a police escort.

Members of the Patriot Guard Riders motorcycle group, in fulfillment of their motto of “Standing for Those Who Stood For Us,” lined the entrance to the armory, solemnly holding large U.S. flags as the procession slowly passed.

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Family, friends and the community had many ways to let these hometown heroes know of their appreciation.

A child’s sign proclaimed, “Hey, Daddy,” and, “I love you,” while others in red, white and blue script said, “Hey, fella,” “Welcome Home Soldiers,” “God Bless the USA” and “Thank you for serving.”

Some whispered their “I love yous” and “I missed yous” into the ears of their loved ones while tears of joy rolled down smiling faces.

“You answered your call to freedom,” Lt. Col. Kenneth Rosado told the approximately 75 family and friends in attendance during a brief welcoming home ceremony.

“You carried the fight to the enemy. You shed the light on tyranny, oppression and fundamentalism ... in Afghanistan. You were a beacon of liberty throughout that country. And now children can play in the streets ... where they couldn’t over a year ago,” he said.

“You set that beacon out there of liberty as a standard bearer of the American way,” Rosado continued. “You are to be commended. Your year away from your family was worthwhile. Thank God, thank you. God bless you and God bless America.”

“You all had a big mission. You went over there to accomplish the mission and you came back home,” Col. Ronald Huff said.

“We thank you.”

Orangeburg County Sheriff Larry Williams praised the troops for their courage in fighting for freedom and, “going where many of us are afraid to go.”

“You are the true Americans of this country,” Williams said.

About 90 soldiers from Company B were deployed to Afghanistan as part of Task Force Phoenix, joining about 1,800 men and women of the 218th to train and mentor the Afghan National Army and National Police.

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The Feb. 2007 deployment was considered the largest single deployment in the history of the South Carolina National Guard.

The soldiers are the first wave of 218th troops expected to return to the area. Future return dates and times are uncertain. Soldiers from units in West Columbia and Fountain Inn also returned Friday afternoon.

As part of the formal ceremony, Sgt. First Class Louis Dyer recognized the sacrifices families, employers and the Family Readiness Group made for the soldiers.

“You, the families, are the backbone of the Army,” Dyer said. “If it was not for you, these folks could not do their job.”

Addressing the soldiers, Dyer said it was a “humbling experience” to be in their midst.

“You guys are my heroes,” he said.

A group of about 19 from Orangeburg’s Apple Dumplin Day Care were among the first to arrive at the armory for the ceremony.

Holding a sign that said, “Welcome Home, we’re proud of you,” the group, led by center Director Phyllis Jolley, was also present when the soldiers left in Feb. 2007.

“We tell them all the time how much they can appreciate what the soldiers do for us,” Jolley said. “We explain to them what our freedom is and how they are ensuring our freedom.”

The children sent the troops monthly packages of snacks and hygiene products, as well as Christmas cards.

Other troops from the 218th are expected to return to the state through mid-May. The arrivals will be in staggered redeployments.

A welcoming home and memorial service is scheduled this fall for the entire 218th at a time and place to be announced.

The 218th is being replaced by the 27th Brigade Combat Team, New York National Guard. An equal number of soldiers from the 27th will arrive in Afghanistan in a phased deployment.

The deployment was a part of a five-year multinational effort designed to keep Afghanistan on the road to recovery following the U.S.-led ouster of the Taliban after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

T&D Staff Writer Gene Zaleski can be reached by e-mail at gzaleski@timesanddemocrat.com or by phone at 803-533-5551.

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