Coming home: Soldiers return to community

Wilson and Wangelin, who served in different platoons of the 162nd, were sent to Kuwait in late March, 2003. They were on duty in Iraq for several months.

The soldiers of the 162nd will be bused from Fort Lewis to Salem, Ore., on April 8. In Salem, they will spend three days deactivating the unit.

On Saturday, April 10, there will be a public "heroes' welcome" ceremony. That event will take place at Columbia Hall at the Oregon State Fairgrounds in Salem, beginning at 2 p.m. After that ceremony, the soldiers will be released.

It has been a difficult wait for the families of Wilson and Wangelin, both of whom have wives and young daughters.

Bea Wilson said she is overjoyed to know her husband is now back in the United States.

"The worst part has been the last two months. It's been the most dragged out, depressing time of my life," Wilson said. "He called from New Jersey last Saturday morning, and flew to Fort Lewis (in Washington) later on Saturday. I thank the Lord it's over. I'm very happy."

The Wilson's daughters -- Tayler, now 4, and Jordanne, now 3 -- have had two birthdays since Kevin went overseas.

"He's missed two sets of birthdays," said Wilson.

The Wangelin's daughter, Brittney, is 7.

Laurie Wangelin said she was relieved to know her husband was back in Washington.

"Just finally, finally. It's a wonderful feeling to know he's home and staying home, and we get to be a family again," Wangelin said. "Thank goodness he's back home. I still feel for those soldiers still over there."

Wangelin added that the family plans a trip to Disneyland in about a month.

Wilson pointed out that one of the first things her husband commented on once he was back in Washington was the change in the landscape.

"He said he's glad to be out of there, and glad to see trees and mountains again," she explained.

White Salmon Mayor Linda Jones said she was grateful to know the local men are returning safely.

"The city of White Salmon wants to welcome them home and let them know how much we appreciate what they've done," Jones said. "We definitely want to show them our support."

Judi Culp, an employee at White Salmon City Hall, is helping to organize a "welcome home" observance for the two.

"We need to do this for our community," said Culp. "We can have yellow ribbons and flags all over to welcome them home."

Two local florist shops -- Petal Pushers and Butterflies Flowers & Gifts -- plan to donate yellow ribbons to those who want them.

On Saturday, welcoming banners will be placed on the Washington side of the Hood River Toll Bridge and at Firemen's Park at the entrance to White Salmon. City leaders are also hoping to set up a police escort for the men as they come off the bridge and head into town.

Mayor Jones and retired Navy Admiral Jack Barrett plan to greet the men at Rheingarten Park in White Salmon and present them with gift packets. Businesses wishing to donate gift certificates to include in the gift packets can call City Hall at 493-1133.

Wilson said she appreciates the show of support.

"I think that's absolutely awesome," she said. "I want to say how appreciative I am of everybody in the community for the well-wishes I hear all the time. I thank everybody for all the prayers and thoughts, and keeping us in their hearts through the deployment."

Several other White Salmon-area residents remain on duty in the Iraq region.