New dads are among Oklahoman Guard members returning from Afghanistan

Nearly 30 soldiers from the Oklahoma National Guard returned Thursday from a deployment to Afghanistan. Several became fathers during their deployment.

BY BRYAN DEAN | Published: January 13, 2012

NORMAN — Less than five seconds after he was dismissed by his commander, Spc. A.J. Carter was holding his 2-week-old son, Braden, in his arms.

Carter, of Okmulgee, was among 29 Oklahoma National Guard soldiers who returned Thursday from Afghanistan. Family and friends welcomed them home during a ceremony at the Norman Armed Forces Reserve Center.

photo - Spc. Galen Scott is greeted Thursday by his son, Benjamin, 6 months, and his wife, Jennifer, at a ceremony in Norman where he and other members of the Oklahoma National Guard were welcomed home upon their return from Afghanistan. Photo by Steve Sisney, The Oklahoman

Spc. Galen Scott is greeted Thursday by his son, Benjamin, 6 months, and his wife, Jennifer, at a ceremony in Norman where he and other members of the Oklahoma National Guard were welcomed home upon their return from Afghanistan. Photo by Steve Sisney, The Oklahoman

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New dads are among Oklahomans who return from Afghanistan

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They were able to come home a bit early because of a reduction in U.S. troops in Afghanistan. About 2,200 soldiers with the 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team are still in Afghanistan and...
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