Weather Delays Deployment, Happy Surprise for Families

Winter weather across the country has given over 50 Oklahoma families more time to spend with their loved ones before deployment overseas.

Monday, December 21st 2009, 5:10 pm

By: News 9


By Charles Bassett, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Winter weather across the country has given over 50 Oklahoma families more time to spend with their loved ones before deployment overseas.

The airmen with the Air National Guard were already saying their goodbyes to their families when just minutes before their scheduled departure, a big change in plans.

Some were in the spirit despite the deployment for the holiday. But soon reality set in for families that this was a day for hugs, holding hands and tears.

"We know without your support it makes our jobs even more difficult, so thank you so much for being here," said Col. Gregory Ferguson with the 137th Air Refueling Wing.

Fifty members of the Oklahoma Air National Guard's 137th Air Refueling Wing are heading to southwest Asia in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. They'll be working in construction, firefighting and airfield operations.

Steven Herron is a family man and a teacher at Edmond Santa Fe High School.

"It's difficult to leave a class in the middle of the year but I've left them in good hands," said SMSgt. Steven Herron.

And for the Elliott family, there's a lot of goodbyes. This airman is leaving behind his wife and 10 children, the majority of them are very young.

"It's sad, just the separation. But we've been looking forward and had a lot of preparation for this," SSgt. Gary Elliott said.

"It's OK. We've done this once before. The kids are prepared," said Stephany Elliott, Gary's wife.

"It'll be alright. He's going over there. He's happy about it. He's doing his duty. I'm really proud to be his son," said Micaiah Elliott.

However, just minutes before the group was to board the buses and say their goodbyes, First Lt. Jeff Payne announced that due to weather and crew issues in Europe, the deployment was delayed for 24 hours.

The room erupted in applause.

So for now, the celebrations will continue. And although the hold is temporary, some family members are hoping it will last through the holiday.

The airmen will be deployed overseas for about six months.

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