319th troops are coming home

The announcement was made during the 319th Transportation Company's morning formation Wednesday in Kuwait. Soon after, phones started ringing on this side of the world.

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It's no rumor this time. The soldiers are heading home.

"I done jumped and shouted and everything," said Shirley Williams, 48, whose daughter, Pfc. Ebony Williams, 24, called her Wednesday morning from Camp Arifjan, Kuwait. "It's been a long wait."

The Augusta-based Army Reserve unit, which hauled fuel for the Marines during the war in Iraq, is scheduled to fly out of Kuwait on Friday and arrive at Hunter Army Airfield in Savannah, Ga., early Saturday, according to Fort Stewart public affairs. Families can greet soldiers at a welcome home ceremony scheduled for 9:35 a.m. at Fort Stewart's Cottrell Field.

Since the 319th left Augusta for Fort Stewart in January, Mrs. Williams and her husband have taken care of her daughter's two sons, Carvin, 3, and Xavier, 1, at their home in Aiken. Since the unit deployed for the Middle East in February, the boys have known their mother only as a picture on the wall and a voice on the telephone.

After months of false rumors and canceled flight dates, Mrs. Williams said she is hesitant to tell the 3-year-old that his mother will be back this weekend. She just tells him that he'll see her soon.

Jenny Curl, 42, whose frustration with the 319th's elusive return date led her and her husband, Staff Sgt. Robert Curl, 44, to contact U.S. Rep. Max Burns for help, said she's not holding her breath about this weekend.

"When he calls and tells me, 'Baby, I'm getting on the plane,' I'll be excited," said Mrs. Curl, of Tattnall County.

The flight times and ceremony time are subject to change. Warrant Officer Roberto Amoroso, with Fort Stewart public affairs, said family members can confirm the information by calling (912) 767-1111.

What's Next: After Saturday's ceremony, the Army will out-process the 319th Transportation Company at Fort Stewart. The procedure includes medical exams and is expected to take about a week.

Reach Johnny Edwards at (706) 823-3225 or johnny.edwards@augustachronicle.com.

--From the Thursday, August 21, 2003 printed edition of the Augusta Chronicle