Conroe Courier - News
Happy Homecoming
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| Tyler Tillman, 4, embraces his father, U.S. Navy Commander Henry C. Tillman, from atop his shoulders at Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston after Tillman's return home from a 300-day deployment in Afghanistan. |
By Elliott Cochran
A Montgomery County soldier returned to the open arms of his family Tuesday afternoon at Bush Intercontinental Airport, arriving for the holiday season and just in time for another annual occasion.
U.S. Navy Commander Henry Tillman received the embrace and affection of his wife Loree and son Tyler, 4, after serving approximately 300 days in Afghanistan, where he oversaw the training of the Afghan Army in a small camp outside of Pakistan.
The union was timely for the family, with Tillman’s arrival occurring three days before his son’s fifth birthday.
Loree Tillman said her husband’s return was emotional, knowing his return would mean the departure of another American family’s soldier.
“We’re very excited and very proud of him and we can’t stop smiling,” she said. “But it’s bittersweet having him here and knowing others will have to take his place. I know the sacrifices these families will have to make.”
Commander Tillman has served in the military for approximately 22 years, spending 10 years in active duty and 12 years as a reservist.
Tillman said the experience of coming home to his family has been emotional, and the meeting brought relief.
“It’s kind of surreal being here; it wasn’t too long ago I was sleeping in a cesspool in Afghanistan,” he said. “I’m looking forward to spending time with my family and catching up on things.”
The series of flights to bring Tillman back to his home in The Woodlands started in Kabul, Afghanistan, then on to Kuwait, across to Norfolk, Va., west to Chicago, then down to Houston.
Loree Tillman has been known throughout the greater Houston area for starting Tillman Troops, a group providing support to members of the armed forces and their families.
She said the organization was started after her husband’s deployment to Afghanistan and has served twofold as a community service and a way to share her family’s story.
The celebration of Commander Tillman’s arrival did not end at the airport, as members of his neighborhood, with yard signs of congratulation and encouragement, welcomed him back to the community.
Yellow ribbons symbolizing the awaited return of a loved one could be seen tied across the trees of the Tillmans’ neighborhood.
Neighbor Wendy Adeleye said with Tillman’s return, things around the block can get back to the way they are supposed to be.
“I think our lives will be back to normal now. We’ve been praying for him since he’s been gone and wishing him a safe trip back,” she said. “For my son’s Veterans Day project, he told his (Tillman) story to the class, and we’re all very proud of Commander Tillman; it’s exciting to have him back.”
Commander Tillman said he is looking forward to returning to his job at International Paint as an operations employee, but his son Tyler said he is looking forward to returning to a slew of favorite shared activities with his father.
“We’re going to play and have pony rides and swim in the pool,” he said. “We’re going to watch TV cartoons.”
U.S. Navy Commander Henry Tillman received the embrace and affection of his wife Loree and son Tyler, 4, after serving approximately 300 days in Afghanistan, where he oversaw the training of the Afghan Army in a small camp outside of Pakistan.
The union was timely for the family, with Tillman’s arrival occurring three days before his son’s fifth birthday.
Loree Tillman said her husband’s return was emotional, knowing his return would mean the departure of another American family’s soldier.
“We’re very excited and very proud of him and we can’t stop smiling,” she said. “But it’s bittersweet having him here and knowing others will have to take his place. I know the sacrifices these families will have to make.”
Commander Tillman has served in the military for approximately 22 years, spending 10 years in active duty and 12 years as a reservist.
Tillman said the experience of coming home to his family has been emotional, and the meeting brought relief.
“It’s kind of surreal being here; it wasn’t too long ago I was sleeping in a cesspool in Afghanistan,” he said. “I’m looking forward to spending time with my family and catching up on things.”
The series of flights to bring Tillman back to his home in The Woodlands started in Kabul, Afghanistan, then on to Kuwait, across to Norfolk, Va., west to Chicago, then down to Houston.
Loree Tillman has been known throughout the greater Houston area for starting Tillman Troops, a group providing support to members of the armed forces and their families.
She said the organization was started after her husband’s deployment to Afghanistan and has served twofold as a community service and a way to share her family’s story.
The celebration of Commander Tillman’s arrival did not end at the airport, as members of his neighborhood, with yard signs of congratulation and encouragement, welcomed him back to the community.
Yellow ribbons symbolizing the awaited return of a loved one could be seen tied across the trees of the Tillmans’ neighborhood.
Neighbor Wendy Adeleye said with Tillman’s return, things around the block can get back to the way they are supposed to be.
“I think our lives will be back to normal now. We’ve been praying for him since he’s been gone and wishing him a safe trip back,” she said. “For my son’s Veterans Day project, he told his (Tillman) story to the class, and we’re all very proud of Commander Tillman; it’s exciting to have him back.”
Commander Tillman said he is looking forward to returning to his job at International Paint as an operations employee, but his son Tyler said he is looking forward to returning to a slew of favorite shared activities with his father.
“We’re going to play and have pony rides and swim in the pool,” he said. “We’re going to watch TV cartoons.”
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