SIOUX CITY, Iowa – Family and friends welcomed the Iowa National Guard’s 185th Air Refueling Wing Airmen back from their deployment from the U.S. Central Command, or CENTCOM, area of responsibility during a homecoming event Jan. 25.

Excited welcomers waited in the unit’s main hangar for the arrival of their loved ones. Airmen were greeted with hugs and tears as they entered the hangar.

The Airmen, making up about a quarter of the unit’s personnel, deployed in October as an Aerial Refueling Aviation package. They provided aerial refueling capabilities in the CENTCOM region, sustaining U.S. and coalition air capabilities.

“We are incredibly proud of our returning Airmen and the critical mission they accomplished," said Col. Adam Carlson, 185th Air Refueling Wing commander.

Carlson remarked on the daily work of pilots flying and maintainers ensuring aircraft readiness for the harsh desert conditions.

“The work they do is nothing short of extraordinary,” he said. “Seeing them reunite with their families today is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by both our service members and their loved ones at home."

Other 185th Airmen remain in the CENTCOM region and are projected to return later in the year.

The unit is planning a formal ceremony in September to welcome home all deployers and honor their work and service.