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Show r NEWS March 15, 1991 " - ".X i i V ' r 7 H.lltop T.mes , t ., r , ! . 1 y ; '71 So good to be back SSgt. Michael Alessi, 2952nd Combat Logis- ,; i v v tics Support Squadron, talks with a reporter about his experiences serving in Operation Desert Storm and the warm welcome home service members are y receiving. His wife, Alison, is once again v by his side. Welcome center planned for returning troops Hill AFB is now preparing a Welcome Home Center for all base service members returning from Operation Desert Storm. Volunteers are busily converting Hangar 37 into the official welcome center where all returning members will come when they arrive at Hill by aircraft. There, families will be reunited with their returning service members. This welcome center is designed for the large groups that will be returning in the next few weeks, according to Col. William Rahter, commander of the 2849th Air Base Group. "What we're trying to do is make this a warm place for our folks to return to," he said. The two squadrons and the many other deployed squadrons will come to this center. The center, put together by spouses and families from base-wid- e units, includes a place for each squadron to put up their own banners. Col. David Haas, assistant deputy commander for operations of the 388th Tactical Fighter Wing, explained how important it was that each member and family have the same opportunity to be welcomed. "Whether airman first class or colonel, all family members should be able to see the service member depart the aircraft and they can give their personal greeting," he said. vkV A o V V Mi I4s 3 A WW i Vf I ' ; V? it i '; " 8 - J J "il i'fif ' ' ill i i ' H f ' t , s 51 L ' ? IJy banner effort Tina Devore, left, ties yellow ribbons onto plants decorating Hangar 37, which is being transformed into a welcome home center for troops returning from the Persian Gulf. Below, volunteers hang banners inside and outside of 'H Hangar 37 to greet their ly members and fami- s. : 'sFi - I . A C""i F-1- 6 1 o I ; TV ' f? I I ! J?l ?; hi H If SI ,4 '. I. r j(5ii, J ? Welcome. f if U S Air Force Photos by George Whetton |