From the archives: Reservists return home from Iraq

This story was originally published in Newsday on April 5, 2004

Some missed their mother's cooking most, others the laughter of their kids. But the dozens of Army reservists were all in agreement yesterday that after one year in Iraq, they were just happy to be home.

There were emotional hugs, kisses, cheers and lingering smiles as about 100 soldiers were reunited with their spouses, kids and other relatives at Fort Totten in Bayside.

"Words can't express how you feel, " said Staff Sgt. Arthur Borger, 42, of Selden.

"It's just a relief. It's good to be on American soil," Borger said as he laughed with his wife, Diana, and his sons, Andrew, 5, and Adam, 13.

Borger was part of a support unit, the 140th Quartermaster Co., that set up laundry and shower facilities during a yearlong tour in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Soldiers who returned also belong to the 301st Area Support Group, which also supports troops for the 77th Regional Readiness Command at Fort Totten.

After they poured out of buses and greeted family, the soldiers dined on meatballs, chicken, pasta, salad and cake before a celebration with music and entertainment and a brief ceremony.

"All of them came home, which is the most important part," said Maj. Gen. Richard S. Colt, the commanding general of the 77th Command. "It's a day of great joy."

The tour was a learning experience for Imelda Guzman, 23, of Ridgewood, whose fiance is part of the same company. As for many soldiers, being a potential target of enemy fire was never too far from her mind, and she frequently sought to put her worried parents at peace.

"At first, I didn't tell them where I was, but I was in Tikrit; that was one of the bad parts," she said. "Every time something happened, I'd let them know I was OK."

To her father, Raymond Guzman, an emigrant of the Dominican Republic, having his only daughter in a war zone was nerve-wracking, but at the same time, he saw it as a good opportunity for her to serve her country.

"I was worried, but at the same time, I was proud of her, and I didn't stop telling my friends my daughter is over there," Raymond Guzman said yesterday after arriving with relatives carrying balloons and flowers.

Some soldiers said they were simply pleased to be back among familiar faces, although adjusting might take a while.

"It feels different; I don't feel like I'm here," said Sgt. Samira Meyers, 25, of Brooklyn. "It's a big, big change for me from being in the sand to being in civilization."

Sgt. Chi Tse, 25, a seven-year reservist from Richmond Hill, said he's looking forward to simple conveniences, such as taking a hot shower at his pleasure and finding out what's new in the city.

"There's a lot of changes around here, and I want to go and see what's changed," Tse said. "I heard the subway is $2 now."