First Full Day Home for the 138th fighter wing

Thursday was the first full day home for 11 members of the Oklahoma Air National Guard's 138th fighter wing.<br><br>They arrived home last night to a crowd of family and friends holding banners and

Thursday, March 21st 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

Thursday was the first full day home for 11 members of the Oklahoma Air National Guard's 138th fighter wing.

They arrived home last night to a crowd of family and friends holding banners and waving flags. The exciting and racous welcome was the perfect way to end a six month tour of duty in the Middle East serving in as part of enduring freedom. But, a nice quiet day with family was the perfect way to begin three weeks off work and at home.

Jon Barge, Senior Airman: "You're over there and you plan it all out, that you want to eat piza or eat out or go to the mall or even drive a car. When we got to the airport, it was the first time I'd seen carpet, it's just the little things, you don't even realize it."

Senior Airman Jon Barge turned 19 while working 12 hour shifts, six days a week, providing security at an American base.

In addition to missing his birthday with his Mom, Dad and two younger brothers, but, Christmas, too - but, they've fixed that.

Jon Barge: "They left the Christmas decorations up since I obviously wasn't home to celebrate and we're going to have Christmas tomorrow, we have family coming in from Texas and we'll have presents and redo the holidays all over again."

Barge is a third generation military man and says the response he's gotten from friends and strangers alike has made him feel very good about what he's done.

Jon Barge: "I'm glad to be home, that's it and I'm very glad to serve my country."