• CANNON AFB, N.M. 

The military community here gathered to welcome back home 500 troops returning from deployment — and the Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) was there to join the jubilation. 

The event was originally scheduled for mid-April, but the mission schedule changed to April 1 at 8 p.m. 

“Even the 40-knot [46 mph] wind did not hinder all the families waiting for their loved ones returning from a seven-month deployment,” said Cannon AFB BX General Manager (GM) Joanne Bedford.  

“It was hard logistically at first since it was nighttime, and we had to coordinate with vendors to rush everything,” Bedford said. “However, they expedited the shipments to make sure we received it on time.” 

About 650 troops and family members were able to have a great time with the festivities. 

Exchange vendor partners provided swag items such as hats, towels, key chains, patches, coloring books for children, and pens for the families in attendance. Domino’s donated 15 pizzas for the celebration. 

KUDOS TO EXCHANGE 

Col. Robert Johnston, commander, 27th Special Operations Wing, and Col. Stuart Churchill, commander, 27th Special Operations Mission Support Group, attended the event. 

“We are very appreciative of what the Exchange provides for the Cannon community,” Johnston said. “Thank you.” 

“It was a heartwarming experience for us to witness and be part of this emotional reunion among families,” Bedford noted. “This really is the epitome of why we do what we do every day for our service members and community.” 

Source: AAFES 

Edited by Larry Lapka