Heroes Welcoming Heroes event touches 445th AW reservist

  • Published
  • By Stacy Vaughn
  • 445th Public Affairs
The Heroes Welcoming Heroes event held Nov. 4 at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force made an impression on one reservist assigned to the 445th Airlift Wing and his family who recently returned from a deployment to Southwest Asia.

Master Sgt. Robb Fulker, 445th Security Forces Squadron, said the HWH event meant a lot to him and his family and said everyone who had a part in coordinating the event, deserves a big "thank you."

"This was the most awesome homecoming event I have ever experienced. In my 22 years of military service, I have been deployed in support of five different campaigns. But with this event, I finally felt like I had a welcoming home," Sergeant Fulker said.

HWH is held every four months. Sponsored by the base Integrated Delivery System, a network of helping agencies, and supported by local community partners and volunteers, more than 300 Airmen and their families were able to enjoy a night of activities, to include free food donated by local restaurants, door prizes, live music and children's activities. An array of information was also onsite to assist the Airmen and their families as they continue through post-deployment reintegration.

Master Sgt. James Tyus, 88th Air Base Wing Airman and Family Readiness Center, family readiness non-commissioned officer in charge, said the purpose of the night was to reunite family, friends, co-workers and supervisors. He said that it's important the member's supervisor, commander and first sergeant be involved in the welcome home for the return of their Airmen.

"Airmen's reintegration has a two-fold responsibility when it comes to returning to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. While supervisors should be concerned about administrative and work-related transitions, they also should keep a pulse on the family while the member is deployed. Leadership's role in welcoming back their deployed members is crucial to a successful reunion and reintegration in the home and the workplace," Sergeant Tyus said.

Sergeant Fulker said the night was a memorable occasion that he'll never forget.

"My favorite part of the evening was just sitting with my family and enjoying the atmosphere. I would like to encourage anyone that missed the event, has to attend the next one. You will definitely feel the gratitude, appreciation and camaraderie. I am glad to be home," Sergeant Fulker said, "