A Military Homecoming

A Military Homecoming for Margaret Ruth Home

During the months of June 2009 through April 2010 First Sergeant Tom Baumann was stationed on Tallil Air Base, the southernmost Army resupply point in Iraq with the 732nd CSSB (Combat Support Sustainment Battalion) out of Tomah WI.

The residents of Margaret Ruth were very proud to support their troops, specifically First Sergeant Baumann, by sending cards, coffee, candy, drink mix and Badger and Packer stockings and Christmas ornaments that he could pass out to all 86 soldiers in the 732nd CSSB. Throughout the year-long Deployment, First Sergeant Baumann passed out the items sent in care packages and took pictures of happy soldiers receiving these treats from the residents of Margaret Ruth. He occasionally mailed pictures, and Program Manager Laura Baumann would then show the residents.

 When First Sergeant Baumann arrived home Margaret Ruth residents were very understanding about allowing him time to adjust, but then got very excited to see him face to face. On October 11, 2010 First Sergeant Baumann came to Margaret Ruth Group Home with lots to share. The residents were shown pictures of the solders receiving their cards, saw the Christmas tree with their ornaments hanging, the Badger stocking hanging by the tree and soldiers drinking the coffee that they sent. First Sergeant Baumann brought Army stickers and pictures of Tanks, Trucks and candy being passed out to local children. He even brought a Wisconsin flag that was flown on base in Iraq. The residents were also able to see and touch medals that First Sergeant Baumann received for merit while he was deployed.

The residents of Margaret Ruth worked very hard to think of questions that they have been waiting to ask First Sergeant Baumann in person. It was an extremely proud moment to watch them ask the questions: “What it is like to be away from their families, how they put gas in those big trucks when they’re in the middle of the desert, how hot does it really get, did your dogs miss you while you were gone and do you give army hugs?"

This was an invaluable experience Margaret Ruth was able to share with the 732nd CSSB. Giving to a local group of people is one thing but giving selflessly to US Troops and being able to see their gifts being received and enjoyed halfway around the world gave them a sense of pride and citizenship they will not soon forget.

For me, it was a gift of a lifetime because, not only did I have pride in the residents of Margaret Ruth, but also for First Sergeant Tom Baumann--A man I am proud to call "Dad."

Laura Baumann
Program Manager
Margaret Ruth
 

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