PHOENIX — It was an emotional welcome home ceremony for more than 350 Arizona National Guard Citizen-Soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 158th Infantry Regiment, Bushmasters in Phoenix today.
These brave men and women served in 17 locations across seven countries for about one year, providing law and order and personal security capabilities.
And despite 33 guardsmen getting wounded in the Jordan drone attack, the unit’s dedication and rigorous training ensured they responded with exceptional professionalism and bravery.
It’s been a long 10 months without dad for Phoenix mom Ariel Sansom and her three kids, 7-year-old Macy, 5-year-old Benjamin and 3-year-old Marilyn.
“It’s been a long deployment,” said Sansom. "A lot of different changes and unexpected things, so we’ve just been kind of braving it, and we’re just really excited that he’s coming home.”
Their dad, Capt. Logan Sansom, was one of the more than 350 Arizona National Guardsmen who were deployed.
Kara Mayeaux, the wife of battalion commander, Lt. Col. Joseph Mayeaux, says her husband’s faith is untouchable.
“That’s what kept him safe,” she said. “That’s what kept us happy through this deployment.”
“I’m trying to say hi to my uncle,” said Frankie Castillo. “(My sign) says welcome home First Sgt. Esser.”
And not soon enough for these loved ones.
The welcome ceremony officially started as the guardsmen arrived at the AASF Hangar on Papago Park Military Reservation Saturday afternoon.
The crowd was filled with smiles and tears.
After a special ceremony with words from Gov. Katie Hobbs, Maj. Gen. Kerry Muehlenbeck and a prayer, these families were reunited.
“I’m looking forward to just spending time at home, probably going camping,” said Capt. Logan Sansom.
“Daddy and Macy time,” said Sansom’s 7-year-old daughter Macy.
“To see the overwhelming support, it’s pretty humbling,” said Lt. Col. Joseph Mayeaux, battalion commander.
Mayeaux said one thing that bonded them together was the fact they survived the Jordan drone attack. While 33 Bushmasters were wounded in the attack, they were able to get through it.
“Anytime you deal with adversity like that, it brings you together,” he said. “I think the big takeaway for the team – we trained really hard leading up through the mission and when stuff like that happens, it kind of all takes over.”
“They just did amazing things in a really terrible situation… and just did a fantastic job and super, super, super proud of the team,” Mayeaux added.
The guardsmen that spoke with 12News agree, it was nothing short of a successful mission accomplished.
“Absolutely mission accomplished,” said Sansom. “There’s nothing we could’ve done any differently than what we did, and I’m just happy that everything worked out the way it did.”
“If anybody can do anything, just try to support a veteran, a soldier or a spouse,” said Staff Sgt. Nicolas Springob.
“Thank you to everybody who served,” his wife, Lindsey, said.
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