Email   Print   Share By Erin Rogers, Sentinel Staff

Facebook Digg Delicious May 24, 2012 | News

Spc. Josh Ruocco-Brown embraces his son, Jeremy, 10, Thursday evening at Cooper Field after being deployed with 1st ACB to Afghanistan for a year. Erin Rogers, Sentinel Staff

Soldiers from the 1st ACB, 1st Cav. Div. wait at Cooper Field on the division’s patch to hear Brig. Gen. James Richardson, deputy commanding general 1st Cav. Div., address them before being released to their Families and friends Thursday evening. Erin Rogers, Sentinel Staff

Soldiers from 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division were welcomed home by American flag wielding Families and friends at Cooper Field May 17.

After being gone for a year, the first group of Soldiers of 1st ACB came home to a sunny Fort Hood evening.

For Katie Ruocco-Brown and her children, Jeremy, 10, and Markella, 8, the year was a long but supported journey. This was Spc. Josh Ruocco-Brown’s first deployment and first time being away from his Family. Originally from California, Katie and Josh have not only just experienced their first deployment, but Fort Hood is also their first assignment, as they are new to the Army.

“Neither Josh nor I knew much about the Army before he joined, but the transitions have been smooth, and the support I’ve had from other Army wives has been beyond helpful,” Katie said.

Katie said she feels blessed because her Family stayed strong for each other all year, and even though this deployment was difficult, she knows it’s made their Family stronger. She also said she had butterflies again in anticipation to see Josh, like when they first started dating more than 13 years ago.

“We have stayed strong for each other all year,” Katie said of she, Markella and Jeremy. “They were so great the whole time Josh was gone.” Jeremy agreed that he helped his mom out while his dad was away.

Katie said she home-schools Markella and Jeremy, and although they are wonderfully behaved, home-schooling can be trying, and she is ready for Josh to be home again to help out with that, too.

Chief Warrant Officer 3 Tim Wright, 1st Cav. Div., was waiting at Cooper Field with his wife and son, for good friend, Chief Warrant Officer 2, Jay Glossup. Wright said he and Glossup have never been deployed together, but have had a lasting friendship, and he wanted to be right there when Glossup stepped off the bus.

“We serve together, and it has been too long since I’ve seen him,” Wright said of Glossup.

Katie couldn’t keep her smile from flashing as 1st ACB Soldiers stepped off the buses and marched across Cooper Field to hear a few words from Brig. Gen. James Richardson before being released to their Families. Richardson promised his Soldiers he would keep the speech short, as he remembered standing in the spot where they stood, wanting to be reunited with their loved ones.

“You should hold your heads high, you’ve accomplished every mission exceptionally, and I am proud to serve with each and every one of you.

We’re so proud of you,” Richardson said.

“Ladies and gentlemen, America’s heroes are home. Go get your Soldier!” was heard over the loud speaker and 1st ACB was reunited with their loved ones. Josh had no trouble finding Katie, Jeremy and Markella, and said standing there with them was without a doubt the best feeling he has had in a long time.

“It feels unreal to be standing here this close to them,” Josh said. “I’m happy to be home.”