They’re back! Maintainers, pilots return from Balad
Tech. Sgt. Joe Mazzei hugs his daughter Morgan, 5, upon his return home Jan. 24, after a four-month deployment to Balad Air Base, Iraq. Family and friends crowded the baggage claim area at Tucson International Airport to welcome home 28 aircraft maintainers and pilots. The Guardsmen volunteered for tours ranging from 8 months to 30 days in duration. They were given a standing ovation from travelers in the terminal on their way to baggage claim. (Air National Guard photo by Capt. Gabe Johnson)