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OGDEN -- As cool as it is to fly F-16s, Mairead Gosnell couldn't wait for her husband to stop and come home--even if its just for a little while.
"You never think you're going to get emotional or upset, and then just being in the van on the way here, I could feel myself getting teary-eyed," Mairead said.
She and several other wives, children and other family members were at Hill Air Force Base Tuesday afternoon to welcome their loved ones home.
Those loved ones are F-16 pilots from Hill's 421st Fighter Squadron. The team had been in Afghanistan for the past three months doing the types of missions you see in war movies.
The pilots flew close to 900 missions in Afghanistan.
"You try not to think about it when they're over there, because you know it's day-to-day," Mairead said. "I just like it when he e-mails me after he lands. That's what I like to hear."
This mission was also historic for Hill Air Force Base. Before this mission, no F-16 unit from America had ever been to Afghanistan. Since their efforts were a success, there's a good chance some units may go back.
"It's becoming more of an F-16 operating base. They've proven we can operate safely out of Bagram, and they really had a huge impact," said Col. Scott Zobrist, Commander of the 388th Fighter Wing. "In all likelihood, many F-16 units will go back, including other squadrons and our airmen form here at Hill."
Tim Gosnell understands if his team has to go back one day.
"I'm proud to be his wife and proud to be an American," Mairead said, smiling.
Earlier Tuesday morning, about 250 airmen and support staff also returned from the same mission.
E-mail: acabrero@ksl.com
