Army Chief Warrant Officer 3 William T. Flanigan

Died July 2, 2006 Serving During Operation Enduring Freedom

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37, of Milan, Tenn.; assigned to 4th Squadron, 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment, Tennessee Army National Guard, Jackson, Tenn.; died July 2 when his helicopter crashed during combat operations in Kandahar, Afghanistan.

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Guard soldiers return home from Afghanistan

The Associated Press

JACKSON, Tenn. — About 40 soldiers from the Tennessee Army National Guard are home after spending a year in Afghanistan.

The members of the Jackson-based Company R and Company D, 4-278th Armored Calvary Regiment deployed in October 2005 and operated Apache helicopters.

Family members, friends and fellow guardsmen greeted some of the returning soldiers Saturday at McKellar-Sipes Regional Airport.

“I missed them very much,” Chief Warrant Officer Daryl Hawkins said as hugged his children. “I’m very proud of everyone who participated (in this assignment). I know we made a difference in Afghanistan and made an improvement to their way of life.”

Hawkins said that families are the ones who suffer the most when soldiers are away and that the families are the true heroes.

Lori Hawkins, Daryl’s wife of 22 years, suggested perhaps he’s a bit too modest.

“He’s my hero,” she said. “It was very difficult when he was away, but I’m glad he is back now.”

Company R’s Chief Warrant Officer 3 William Timothy Flanigan, 37 of Milan, was killed July 2 when his AH-64 Apache helicopter crashed shortly after takeoff from Kandahar Airfield.

Maj. Gen. Jimmy Welch, deputy adjutant general of the Tennessee National Guard, said he was glad the rest of the soldiers returned home safely.

“It’s great to have these soldiers home,” he said. “As always, these soldiers have represented the state of Tennessee. We’re proud of them and glad they are home.”