As a soldier’s wife, Michelle May of Pittsfield knew just what her husband needed: a trip to Hawaii.
So May took her husband, Command Sgt. Maj. Victor May of the New Hampshire National Guard’s 197th Field Artillery Brigade, to Maui for that much-needed R&R after the yearlong fourth Middle East deployment of his career.
She knew it might take a while to wind down from the stress and strain of the logistical and tactical journey through six countries and 10 locations in their artillery fight against ISIS in both Iraq and Syria, supporting Operation Inherent Resolve and Operation Spartan Shield.
It took longer than she thought. Six long days in the tropics to wind down.
After the 197th came back in three different trips since January, the welcome home ceremony finally happened Sunday for the New Hampshire Army National Guard Headquarters & Headquarters Battery 197th Field Artillery Brigade and Battery E 197th Field Artillery Regiment at the Pease Air National Guard Base in Newington.
Gov. Chris Sununu and both Sens. Jeanne Shaheen and Maggie Hassan were there, as well as Rep. Annie Kuster.
For the Mays, the ceremony was a time to reconnect with family and ponder the future.
After his fourth deployment, Michelle May is hoping this will be her husband’s last.
“We’ll see,” the soldier said.