Specialist Tracy Windley takes every opportunity to dunk her executive officer, 1st Lt. Dustin Crapse, during the 248th Military Intelligence Company homecoming celebration at the Henry County Shrine Club in McDonough. (Georgia National Guard photo by Spc. Amanda Luksic)

Story by Spc. Amanda Luksic
Georgia National Guard
Public Affairs Office

McDONUOGH, Ga., June 24, 2006 – Wives of the 248th Military Intelligence Company have done it again.

First they made their husbands and other unit members feel at home when they returned from war-torn Iraq by decorating their barracks at Fort Stewart. Most recently, they worked extremely hard to put together a spectacular homecoming celebration and cookout to finalize that sense of finally being back.

As always, these women went over the top with the activities they provided. For entertainment there were two moonwalks, one with a giant slide, a snow cone machine, and everyone’s favorite, a dunk tank.

This would be one of several homecoming celebrations through the remainder of June and on through July by local communities across Georgia to welcome back the units that make up Georgia’s 48th Brigade Combat Team.

“We put all the money we had together for this,” said Wendy Brown, the family readiness group chair, pointing to herself, Pam Wheeler and Stephanie Crapse. “We had tons of fundraisers in order to get it done, but we got it accomplished, and it seems everyone has enjoyed themselves.”

Soldiers as well as their families apparently enjoyed the day’s activities.

Shane’s Rib Shack of Atlanta provided the food, while the Henry County Shrine Club donated the use of its building for the day.

They wouldn’t have had it any other way, said Bob Elliott, one of the club’s members.

“We appreciate what these young men and women have done, not only for us, our community and our state, but for our nation.

“We’re sorry for those who didn’t make it back, and many of us understand the hardships they [the Soldiers] went through, because we, too, have served.”

Captain Josie Hobbs, the 248th’s commander, returned the sentiment, thanking Shanes, the shriners and especially the Family Readiness Group for all they had done to make the celebration possible.

“The family readiness group has did all the groundwork for this,” Hobbs said humbly. “Thanks to all of you of you…you have our never-ending gratitude.”

Turning her attention to her Soldiers, she went on to thank those in the forward detachment for a job well done. The forward element was very lucky not to have had a single fatality, and to leave Iraq with only one Soldier injured.

That Soldier was Spc. James Hall. Hall was injured Dec. 1, 2005, when the convoy he was part of was hit by an improvised explosive device, causing the vehicle in which he served as the turret gunner rolled over.

Hall related how that, if it hadn’t been for one of his fellow Soldiers, he might not have survived the explosion.

“If it hadn’t been for Spc. Sean Brown, our driver” he said, “I would not be alive.

Hall’s injuries caused him to be returned to Georgia for recovery after spending some time in a military hospital, Hobbs said.

	Families, friends and Soldiers of the 248th Military Intelligence Company enjoy barbeque and other taste treats for lunch during the unit’s homecoming celebration this past Saturday.  (Georgia National Guard photo by Office Candidate Ike Umunnah)

About his fellow Soldiers, Hall said, “these guys are my brothers. I hated that I couldn’t be with them through the entire mission, but I am happy no one else was hurt and that they all made it back.”

Turning to the 248th’s rear detachment, Hobbs made it clear that she was as equally proud of its performance during the company’s absence.

“You continued to carry the guidon while the unit was engaged in supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom, and you made us all proud by your support, your dedication and professionalism,” she said.  “I look forward to getting to know all of you much better now that we’re together again.”

248th Welcomed Home!

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