Parting Shot: Welcome Home

Derek Reese, of the Washington Air National Guard, holds his 3-year-old son, Ryan, and his wife, Michelle, after landing at Fairchild Air Force Base on Monday. Reese was deployed to Afghanistan for six months and was among some 30 airmen returning home . Tyler Tjomsland photo

Showers longer than three minutes. No dust. Not having to shave.

Those are things Senior Airman Chris Munro said he is looking forward to enjoying on American soil after he and 30 other members of the Washington Air National Guard returned from Afghanistan to Fairchild Air Force Base on Monday.

The members of the 141st Civil Engineer Squadron were dispersed throughout the war-torn country building and repairing infrastructure, including temporary shelters for military personnel. They completed jobs ranging from pouring concrete to installing electrical wiring.

Family members waited for their loved ones with homemade signs, waving flags and shedding more than a few tears. Jennifer Pignolet, SR

Do you have any family members serving in the military?