Local soldiers return from Afghanistan

After a year long deployment, several hundred soldiers have now returned from Afghanistan to Fort Drum–home of the 10th Mountain Division, located near Watertown in upstate New York.

Two of those soldiers were Specialist Isaac Allen Pruett, who arrived March 15th, and Sergeant Johanna Pruett, arriving March 21st. Homecoming celebrations were held on the base at the McGrath Gym.

To greet them were Isaac’s parents, Stan and Sandy Pruett of Fredericktown, and Johanna’s parents, Cesar and Rosa Casas and brothers Augusto and Christian of Newton, New Jersey.

This was the second deployment for each as part of the continued “Operation Enduring Freedom;” each having re-enlisted to extend their service to finish out this deployment.

Johanna is a medic with the 3rd Brigade Support Troop Battalion.

Upon deployment Isaac was attached to the 3rd Brigade Combat team, 2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry, Charlie Co. (Commanches) as Alpha team leader for 1st squad, 2nd Platoon (Rough Necks). He was later assigned to Delta Co. (Destroyers) 2nd Platoon which was attached to Bravo Co (Blackhawks) as a weapons squad leader.

Both soldiers were located in Kandahar Province along the Helmand border.

Isaac was awarded a Purple Heart in February of this year due to an incident in September 2011 and re-assigned to HHC (Higher Head Quarters) with wife Johanna.

The couple returned to Missouri for a short visit and enjoyed Easter services with their family. Isaac is a brother to Alisha Pirtle of Jefferson City and Shayna Pruett of Fredericktown, father of Ezekiel Pruett and grandson to Lillie Berry.

They greatly appreciated those of you who helped keep them safe through your prayers and ask that you do not forget their wounded friends. The Fort Drum Division flag still flies as a reminder of those who have not yet made it home.