Lt. Gen. Jackson, Air Force Reserve Command commander, is welcomed to Whiteman Air Force Base by Col. Hubert Hegtvedt, 442d Fighter Wing commander, Dec. 6. Jackson attended the annual Christmas party that was also a welcome home party for the operations and maintenance squadrons who were deployed to Afghanistan earlier in 2014. (U.S. Air Force photo by Capt. Denise Haeussler)

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Missouri Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler speaks to the 442d Fighter Wing Dec. 6 at the annual Christmas party that was also a welcome home party for the operations and maintenance squadrons who were deployed to Afghanistan for seven months earlier in 2014. Whiteman Air Force Base, home of the A-10 Warthog and B-2 Bomber of the 509th Bomb Wing, falls under Hartzler's 4th district. (U.S. Air Force photo by Capt. Denise Haeussler)

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Airmen and families of the 442d Fighter Wing visit with Santa Claus at the Christmas party Dec. 6. Families got an early Christmas present when troops came home safe and sound from a seven month deployment to Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Capt. Denise Haeussler)

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Gracie Schram, a 16 year old singer/songwriter, and her guitarist entertain 442d Fighter Wing Airmen during the Christmas party Dec. 6. Schram is from the Kansas City, Mo. area. (U.S. Air Force photo by Capt. Denise Haeussler)

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The All American Beef Battalion grilled steaks and provided all the food for the 442d Fighter Wing’s Christmas party, which was also a welcome home event for Airman who deployed to Afghanistan earlier in 2014. The Beef Battalion is a group of individuals involved in the United States Beef Cattle Industry working to support troops fighting the global war on terror. (U.S. Air Force photo by Capt. Denise Haeussler)

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The 442d Fighter Wing celebrates a welcome home for deployed Airmen tied into the annual Christmas party Dec. 6. Approximately 345 Airman deployed to Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan February through October 2014. (U.S. Air Force photo by Capt. Denise Haeussler)

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Welcome home event a success

Published Dec. 7, 2014
By Capt. Denise Haeussler
442nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs

WHITEMAN AFB, Mo. -- Christmas came early this year for the 442d Fighter Wing. The annual holiday party, a welcome home party for deployed troops, a visit from the Air Force Reserve Command commander, and an appearance from a local congresswoman were rolled together like a warm cinnamon bun.

Lt. Gen. James Jackson, AFRC commander, braved the cold elements of central Missouri Dec. 6 to personally welcome home 442 FW Airmen who deployed to Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan from February to October 2014.

"I want to personally thank each and every one of you and your families for your dedication and their sacrifice during this deployment," said Jackson. "Twenty six hundred flying hours without one single mishap is something you should all be very proud of; and I know there are many soldiers and Marines who are happy and home safe with their families this holiday season because of your support."

Missouri Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler also joined the festivities to welcome home the Reservists she represents in her district.

"I spoke on the phone with these Citizen Airmen back in August while they were deployed," said Hartzler. "At the time, the base had been attacked 64 times, and by the end of the phone call it was 65. But they never lost focus. Today I am so happy to be here to say welcome home and happy holidays."

Santa made an appearance to hand out gifts to the kids, and the All American Beef Battalion grilled steaks and provided enough food to make everyone's belly jiggle like a bowl full of jelly. The kids also rode horses and pony's, had their faces painted, and jumped to exhaustion in the bounce houses. All the while Gracie Schram, a local singer and songwriter, entertained the crowd with Christmas carols.

"Today is a special day," said Col. Hubert Hegtvedt, 442 FW commander. "My leadership as well as a community representative took the time to come here today to welcome home and wish a happy holiday season to my Airmen. It was a pleasure having them here, and I'm humbled by the support they give to us."