UPDATE: Nearly 80 U.S. Air Force reservists from the 914th Air Refueling Wing have returned home to the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station this morning after a lengthy deployment in the Middle East. Four KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft touched down, marking a significant moment for the families and friends who awaited their loved ones.
The reservists initially deployed in April 2023 for an undisclosed operation, but their return was delayed due to an unexpected extension of their mission. This abrupt change in plans has had a profound impact on many of the service members and their families.
Lieutenant Colonel Matthew Abels, a seasoned veteran of multiple deployments, shared how this experience differs for each individual. “The challenges change for everyone depending on where you are in life,” Abels stated. “I have kids now who are old enough to know that daddy is gone, and this is the first time that I’ve had a deployment like that.”
Upon their return, the reservists will receive approximately two weeks of leave before gradually transitioning back to their civilian jobs. Operations Group Commander Jay Butterfield emphasized the complexities of adjusting back to civilian life after such a prolonged absence. “When you come back to how the rest of us live, like making our own breakfast, sleeping in our own beds, some of us are just not used to that,” Butterfield explained.
To aid in this transition, the 914th Air Refueling Wing is providing mental health resources and support systems for the returning members. Butterfield added, “We look at some of the things they may have seen while they’re there. That’s why we offer some of our wing assets for mental health, to allow people to work through those issues and help them integrate with their families again.”
As the community celebrates the successful return, the 914th will also begin preparations for future deployments, reinforcing their commitment to service and readiness.
This return is not just a homecoming but a testament to the resilience of military families who endure prolonged separations for the sake of national duty. As these heroes step back into their daily lives, the emotional impact of their service will resonate deeply within their homes and the wider community.
Stay tuned for further updates on the 914th Air Refueling Wing and their upcoming missions.
