Published Wednesday, February 19, 2003
after 7 months
Herald Staff Writer
Pamela Erdos of Mercer cried seven months ago when her son, Philip, a specialist in the Army National Guard, left with the Battery D 229th Artillery to serve in Europe.
The tears were flowing again Tuesday as the unit, based at the armory on George Junior Road in Pine Township, returned home.
"We're so excited," said Erdos' father, Philip Sr.
"Words don't describe it," Erdos said of being home.
The unit was one of many in Pennsylvania called up for service in Europe to support Operation Enduring Freedom, the overseas war on terrorism. The Grove City battery served in Belgium as part of Taskforce Keystone, assisting in post-Sept. 11 security measures, said Maj. Gray Berrier, executive officer of the 1-107 Field Artillery in New Castle.
Family members and friends of the 61 soldiers called to service on July 6 gathered at the armory in the frigid weather, anxiously awaiting the arrival of their loved ones.
The soldiers flew back to the United States on Friday and spent four days in Fort Dix, N.J., before traveling home by bus. The buses let the soldiers off at a parking lot up the road, and they marched back to the armory as their family members cheered, waved flags and held up "Welcome Home" signs.
"It's just good to see all the guys back," Berrier said.
A lot can happen in seven months. During that time, some of the soldiers lost family members, while some had some happy new additions.
Matthew James Bush, the son of Cmdr. Eric Bush, was born on Jan. 8. He was one of several babies born while their fathers were away.
Fortunately, Bush got to fly home to be with his wife, Jennifer, for the birth of their son, but he had to return to Belgium soon afterward. The Clearfield, Pa., couple also have a 7-year-old son, Jonathan.
"We can't wait to get home," Mrs. Bush said.
The Grove City battery was the second unit to be called up for Taskforce Keystone. Units from Spring City, Leighton, Pottsville, Reading, Hamburg, Hazleton, York, Philadelphia, Bethlehem and Scranton were called up in increments.