By Malynda Fulton
The Valdosta Daily Times
VALDOSTA — Family members and airmen gathered at the re-deployment and Purple Heart Ceremony Wednesday, Nov. 14 at Moody Air Force Base to welcome home troops from the 822nd Security Forces Squadron.
Approximately 200 members of the squadron, which is a part of the 820th Security Forces Group, returned Wednesday after being deployed to southern Iraq for more than six months.
Four airmen honored during the ceremony received Purple Hearts, United States military decorations awarded in the name of the President to those who have been wounded or killed during service. These airmen were Staff Sgt. Chris Forsythe of Cordele, Airman First Class Sean Harrington, Senior Airman Tyler Ginavan and Staff Sgt. Rick Adams, who was unable to attend due to his injuries. Col. John R. Decknick, commander of the 820th Security Forces Group, pinned the three airmen in attendance.
Both Forsythe and Harrington were injured by a roadside bomb attack in July. Ginavan and Adams were injured while on their last night of work, Oct. 29, during another roadside bomb attack. Adams is currently with his family in Augusta, where he is receiving treatment at the Dwight D. Eisenhower Army Medical Center at Fort Gordon.
During their Iraq tour, troops provided various security services, which included area security operations, convoy security, and inmate transportation.
“We also went to the homes of Iraqi families in an effort to see what they needed and make sure they were safe,” said Purple Heart recipient Ginavan.
“It was a very overwhelming experience.” Before the troops were dismissed to be with their families and loved ones, Decknick said, “You have represented your nation well. You have all done a great job and we are proud of your achievements.”
Afterward, the airmen scattered to find their spouses, parents and children. Among the soldiers was Senior Airman David Bristow.
“This has been a long time coming and I just thank God it’s over,” Bristow said while being greeting by his wife and two children.
Airman First Class Rodrique Welton added, “The best feeling I’ve felt in six months was touching American ground. This experience really makes me appreciate the nation I serve and freedom.”
Single squadron members, or those whose families were not present at the ceremony, were provided with “Singles Bags” that held food, chocolate, music, cards and other treats provided by family members who could not attend and day-care students.
Since its activation in 1997, the 820th Security Forces Group has deployed in support of several operations, which include Desert Safeside, Iraqi Freedom and Bright Star. The group includes the 822nd Security Forces Squadron, the 823rd Security Squadron and the 824th Security Forces Squadron.
Forsythe, 24, is scheduled to have surgery on his arm again on Dec. 5, said his grandmother, Arlene Holmes.
He is married to the former Jessica Allen and they have two daughters, Ainslee and Hannah. He is the son of Tony and Penny Forsythe of Cordele, and Marsha Yough of Tennessee. He is the grandson of Doris Jones of Hawkinsville, and Charles and Arlene Holmes of Cordele.
