FORT CARSON — If the Mountain Post Special Events Center at Fort Carson resembles a high school gymnasium, then Monday afternoon’s return of 45 troops serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom resembled a very emotional homecoming game.
The fans were family, waving U.S. flags and eager to wrap their arms around their favorite players. Homemade banners adorned the walls, with “Welcome home, Spike!” and “1-2-3, ABC. Daddy, you’re our hero.”
Finally, the soldiers emerged from an artificial cloud of smoke to rowdy cheering and Toby Keith’s “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue.” They lined up at center court and bowed their heads for a short prayer before tearfully reuniting with spouses, parents, cousins and kids.
A second ceremony was held later in the day to welcome another group of soldiers, bringing the total to 358.
After the first ceremony, everyone took off to go home and get used to life in the United States once again. For Sgt. Dustin Hackbarth and his parents, Jeff and Cindy, that meant food.
“The biggest change is being able to choose what I want to eat,” Dustin Hackbarth said. “In the military, at best you get three options.”
Now, he had the entire Hooters menu to ponder. It didn’t take him long to decide on the mushroom Swiss burger and a beer.
Jeff and Cindy Hackbarth made the trip from Oshkosh, Wis., to be with their son. Dustin will be able to go back north with them beginning March 10, where the divorced father will have two little boys to spoil and smother with love.
“(One of) his sons is 3 years old, and he’s spent more time in Iraq than he has with his son,” Jeff Hackbarth said.
Joining them were Cindy Hackbarth’s cousin, Cindy Orton, and her two boys, Gabriel and Oliver. Five-year-old Oliver huddled up next to Dustin, squishing his cheeks and giggling at his work.
“Be careful with him. He’s fragile, you know?” Cindy Orton joked.
Dustin shared stories with his family during the meal, like the time he attended an elaborate Iraqi dinner featuring a goat head centerpiece on the table. They talked about the Green Bay Packers, and how Chuck Norris jokes are popular in the Army. Hardly a conversation passed that didn’t end in a deep belly laugh.
It was a moment Jeff Hackbarth had trouble putting into words.
“You just keep wanting to grab him, and hug him, and tell him that you missed him,” he said.
As the meal ended, Cindy Hackbarth said there were a lot of overdue holidays to celebrate when he got home.
“He’s got a lot of hugs coming,” she said.
George Plaven: 303-954-1638 or gplaven@denverpost.com
