A Soldier Welcomed Home Meets His First Child
Avrie Keller awaits her husband Spc. Brad Keller with their daughter. (photo by Shelly Spaur/Oskaloosa News)
Ottumwa, Iowa – On Saturday afternoon, the 833rd Engineer Company, 224th Battalion with the Iowa National Guard, based out of Ottumwa, was welcomed home to an overflowing crowd of hoots, hollers, banners, cheers and tears. In attendance were many wives, parents, and extended family members, as well as the Mayor of Ottumwa, Major General Orr, Col Todd Jacobus, and Chaplain Gary Selof.
The unit just returned from an almost one year deployment to Afghanistan. While there, they conducted 200 route clearance missions and cleared over 12,000 kilometers of roads, with a 75% IED discovery rate, all with zero casualties or injuries. The 833rd has had multiple deployments in the past. In 1991, they were mobilized as Co. B, 224th Engineer Battalion in support of Operation Desert Storm. Company B again mobilized in 2004 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. In 2007, the 833rd Engineer Company was deployed once again in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
As the soldiers marched into the gymnasium, family and friends jumped to their feet waving and smiling to their soldiers. The invocation was done by Chaplain Gary Selof after the singing of the National Anthem. Distinguished guests were then introduced and the Mayor took a few moments to make a short speech and thank the soldiers and their families. The Benediction was then completed by Chaplain Gary Selof before the soldiers heard the words they had been waiting for.
As “Dismissed!” rang out, families raced out of the stands into the open arms of the soldiers they have missed so very dearly. One family that was present had a very special meeting that was about to happen. Prior to the soldiers arriving, I spoke with Avrie Keller, whose husband is Spc. Brad Keller. Avrie and Spc. Keller had a new baby girl while he was deployed and this was to be his first meeting with his young daughter. When asked what she was most looking forward to, Avrie stated, “Just seeing him again, it’s been so long. Having him see his daughter for the very first time. She’s our first child, and this has been our first deployment. I am feeling so excited, yet it feels so surreal. I can’t believe it’s finally the day”.
After meeting with his daughter, Spc. Keller had this to say, “I just don’t know where to even begin, I’m just so excited to finally meet her for the first time. It’s been a really, really long deployment and I’m just glad to be home and start this new chapter in my life”.
The 833rd Engineer Company, 224th Battalion with the Iowa National Guard, based out of Ottumwa, was welcomed home to an overflowing crowd of hoots, hollers, banners, cheers and tears. (Photo by Shelly Spaur/Oskaloosa News)
Terry Davis, wife of Sgt Michael Davis, was another family member patiently waiting for her soldier. When asked what she was feeling she stated, “I’m excited, it’s been a long year. I’m looking forward to everything and nothing. I want to eat, he cooks for me”.
Today, each of these soldiers is now safely home in the arms of their loved ones. For the first time in many years the Iowa National Guard has all of its units home for the holidays! Welcome Home Heroes!
