Utah National Guard Soldiers Return Home From Deployment
Apr 9, 2019, 12:52 PM | Updated: 12:57 pm
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Nearly 100 National Guard Soldiers returned home Tuesday to their loved ones after serving in the Middle East for nearly one year.
The homecoming took place at the Roland Wright Air Base in Salt Lake City.
Specialist Alex Taylor is among those soldiers, returning to his wife Samantha and his 16-month-old daughter, Lydia, after having left when she was just six months old.
Anxiously waiting for @UtahGuard soldiers returning home today! #KSLtv pic.twitter.com/4vz7PLvPxv
— Felicia Martinez (@FeliciaNews) April 9, 2019
“It’s kind of a bummer seeing her grow up on the phone and hearing first this and first that, but I’m just glad to be back now,” Taylor said.
Taylor has a lot of catching up to do with his daughter, but he’s looking forward to it and overjoyed to have his family back in his arms.
As part of the 1st Battalion, 145th field Artillery, also known as “Big Red,” their mission was to provide vital security support and conduct artillery missions with Middle Eastern partners. Now, for Taylor and many other soldiers returning home, their full-time mission is family.
— Felicia Martinez (@FeliciaNews) April 9, 2019
“To be a dad and husband right now,” said Taylor.
The Taylors said the support of their family and friends is what really helped them get through the past 10 months. Now one of the first things they plan to do as a family is get a bite to eat at Rodizio Grill.
Getting ready to capture all the excitement of returning home! https://t.co/Pb21i8Dalk
— Felicia Martinez (@FeliciaNews) April 9, 2019
