On Sunday, Oct. 18, John J. Morris Post 62 (Peoria, Ariz.) attended the 944 Civil Engineer Squadron (CES) for a morale event during the October 2026 Unit Training Attendance (UTA). This event was especially important as members of CES had recently returned home from a deployment extended due to the Iranian conflict, Operation Epic Fury. Reserve members typically will only deploy for six months and come home. But due to the dangers of troop movement, 944 CES members were on restricted movement, and their deployment extended an additional two-three months. The morale event allowed for members and their families to come together in a relaxed environment and actively work to acclimate the members back into the squadron.

The event was held at Fat Cats, Surprise, Ariz. Post 62 Board members and Unit 62 members attended the event to help welcome everyone home. Maj. Robert Frederick, commander of 944 CES, thanked Commander Noah McMullen and the others for coming to the event to talk and mingle with everyone. As the members of Post 62 mingled, they listened to the stories these airmen had. We talked about some of the resources The American Legion had available and handed out cards to assist those who may have a more difficult time readjusting to being home from a long deployment.

Frederick stated that the airmen were exceptional in their mission and were proud to have served their time overseas. 944 CES covers fire protection, bomb disposal, emergency management and traditional construction trades to operate and sustain U.S. Air Force bases and project air power wherever called upon. Post 62 want to thank Staff Sgt. Sara Weaver, a member of Post 62, for her service with 944 CES as a reservist in emergency management. She was the pivotal point in coordinating this event.