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Guard praised for role in Afghanistan
5/14/2008 12:19 AM

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By SUSANNE M. SCHAFER

Associated Press

COLUMBIA (AP) -- South Carolina's Army National Guard played a vital role in fighting Taliban militants during the unit's yearlong deployment in Afghanistan, its commander said Tuesday.

Brig. Gen. Bob Livingston praised the 1,800-strong 218th Brigade Combat Team as its next-to-last contingent of some 70 soldiers returned home to the Palmetto State.

The 218th deployed to Afghanistan last year to train members of the Afghan military and police force in the state's National Guard's largest deployment since World War II.

They arrived at a critical juncture and helped local military forces turn the tide against the militants battling Afghanistan's government, Livingston told families gathered to welcome their soldiers.

"They laid the foundation" for a return to peace in the embattled nation, he said. "They dealt the Taliban a resounding blow."

After brief welcoming remarks, dozens of wives, children and families members crowded the soldiers with hugs and kisses.

Maj. Tom Mack of Charleston lifted his 7-month-old granddaughter Elise Smith high in the air as the baby smiled.

"It was great the first time, and it's even better the second time around," said Mack, who deployed previously.

"He loves what he does, so you have to support him," his wife Debbie said, patting him on the shoulder.

Capt. Jim Smith of Columbia fought back tears as he hugged his daughter, three sons and wife, Kirkland.

"I'm just speechless," said Smith. The Democratic representative was flooded with welcoming handshakes from family and friends, including fellow Democrat Rep. Joel Laurie of Columbia.

"It will be great to have him back," said Laurie.

Smith and Mack had spent several days in Fort Riley, Kan., before returning to South Carolina.

Another 250 members of the unit are slated to return Wednesday from Fort Bragg, N.C., where they had stopped for several days for their post-deployment briefings and paperwork.

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