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Master Sgt. Gerald Evans, from Tooele, spent his life serving our country. Tonight, at Salt Lake International Airport, he got a big welcome home.
At the bottom of an escalator inside Terminal 2, an impromptu welcome-home party for an Army reservist who's almost 60 erupted.
"I was the oldest reservist to re-enlist in the Alpha Palace in Baghdad," said Master Sgt. Gerald Evans.
Gerald is with the 2nd Medical Training Brigade out of Fort Douglas. He spent the last year in Iraq securing lost equipment and medical supplies.
This was actually his third tour, and tonight he received the Iraqi Campaign medal.
"This is outstanding! This is amazing! It's amazing because in Vietnam we didn't get this," Gerald said.
Yes, he served in Vietnam.
"As far as uniqueness, there aren't that many people willing to stay in the military that long," Gerald's wife, Terry, said.
"Well, he's one of our heroes. There's no question about that," said Col. Randy Schwallie, also of the 2nd Medical Brigade. "Especially to be a Vietnam vet, and have that kind of experience, is invaluable. When I went to the Gulf War, we had 12 Vietnam vets, and they were truly the backbone and heartbeat of those operations."
"There's not very many people who are willing to stand up and fight for their country, so I'm very proud of him," Terry said.
Come December, Master Sgt. Evans is headed for retirement. For his wife, it means relief and a true homecoming.
But what does it mean for the sergeant? "It's time to call it quits, let the younger ones do it," Gerald said.
Even in retirement, the master sergeant says there's a chance you can get called for duty again. If he does, Gerald Evans says he will answer that call.
E-mail: gkennedy@ksl.com
