Nearly one year ago, Sgt. Celso Gonzales of Rocky Ford bid farewell to his family before leaving for a 12-month deployment to Ramadi, Iraq.
The single father of son Michael, 8, was one of 400 soldiers of the 3rd Battalion, 157th Field Artillery of the Colorado Army National Guard who were treated to a rambunctious welcome-home rally Thursday at the 1stBank Center in Broomfield.
“I can’t describe the overwhelming emotions of seeing them,” Gonzales said. “I wanted to hug everyone as long as I could.”
The battalion, commanded by Lt. Col. Al Morris of Centennial, comprised the largest unit to be mobilized from the Colorado Army National Guard since World War II.
During their year-long stay in Anbar province, the soldiers were responsible for day-to-day personnel security missions. They conducted more than 400 convoy escort missions and 2,000 base patrols. They operated Camp Ramadi’s gates and housing and oversaw camp defense.
However, their primary mission was to provide security detachments for meetings between U.S. State Department officials and Iraqi leaders.
Most of the battalion was reunited with family during a private ceremony at Eagle Crest High School in Aurora on Wednesday.
The welcome-back rally Thursday was an official way to thank the soldiers and their families by Gov. Bill Ritter and Maj. Gen. H. Michael Edwards, adjutant general for Colorado, who were joined by other military officials.
“I remember telling you a year ago about going over to seal the deal,” Edwards said. “You have done one hell of a job sealing the deal.”
Jackie Smith of Florence waited eagerly with daughter Baylee, 5, for a glimpse of her husband, Allan.
Smith drove up with family Thursday and was eager to get her husband back home, where he’ll be treated this weekend to a large barbecue with family and friends.
“It’s been a long year, but I’m absolutely proud of him,” she said. “He didn’t show anyone he was terrified.”
Annette Espinoza: 303-954-1655 or aespinoza@denverpost.com
