RICHARD WALKER / RWALKER@STARBULLETIN.COM Thirteen members of the Hawaii Air National Guard's 154th Security Forces Squadron returned to Honolulu Airport yesterday after a six-month deployment to Iraq. Here, Tech Sgt. Ryan Schreiner kissed his wife, Nicole.

Soldiers back after 6-month tour

Tech Sgt. Ryan Schreiner married a week before leaving on a voluntary six-month deployment to Iraq in March.

The Hawaii Air National Guardsman hugged his wife yesterday after returning safely.

"I've been waiting for this more than ever," Schreiner said at Honolulu Airport. His tour in Iraq seemed like the longest of his five deployments because his wife, Nicole, was waiting, he said.

At least 10 family members greeted Senior Airman Salofi Leasiolagi, 26.

"It feels great," Leasiolagi said. "No other feeling like it in the world."

Senior Airman Ryan Kaleo, 24, of Kapolei arrived to find a gang of about 20 family members at baggage claim.

"I feel good, seeing everybody for the first time again, seeing how many people," Kaleo said. "I'm hoping to go home and eat some real food now."

The three guardsmen were part of an all-volunteer element of the 154th Security Forces Squadron, part of the Hawaii Air National Guard's 154th Wing. Thirteen of 88 squadron members deployed in March to Kirkuk, Iraq, where they protected the base, guarded the perimeter and assisted with convoys, said Senior Master Sgt. Ruben Mesinas. Awaiting them at baggage claim were friends, employers and family members, some holding signs, others newborns.

RICHARD WALKER / RWALKER@STARBULLETIN.COM Thirteen members of the Hawaii Air National Guard's 154th Security Forces squadron returned to Honolulu Airport yesterday after a six-month deployment to Iraq. Senior Airman Ryan Kaleo held his 2-year-old daughter, Riana.

Leasiolagi's mother, Alofa, said she prepared a Samoan and American dinner for him "in case he missed the taste of home." It was Leasiolagi's second tour, after serving in Afghanistan in 2005.

"We had daily prayers for him, and our prayers have been answered -- he's back," she said. "Just to have him back is a big relief, especially for his children because they're so young."

Leasiolagi's family began preparing for his return about two months ago, cleaning and repairing their Waipahu house so he would feel at home. His wife, Nana, 26, said she was happy.

While he missed his sister's wedding and his son's birth while on deployment, Leasiolagi said he volunteers so his homeland will be safe.

Mike Rossell, Leasiolagi's boss, also greeted him at the airport, wanting to make sure he was OK.

"He's a very special person," said Rossell, owner of Special Event Equipment. "I have a lot of regard for him going to Iraq. I have never met somebody who didn't like this guy."

Also at the terminal were Bev Morita of Pearl City, and her daughter and granddaughter. They waited with leis for Morita's son, Staff Sgt. Shon Kele, 25.

She said the Iraq deployment was stressful for her, as she worried about his safety and long working hours, sometimes without a day off.

"His thing is to always serve his country," she said. "I think he's crazy but he loves what he does."