Army Pilot Returning From Iraq: "You Can Tell That The Insurgency Is Much Larger Than It Was Before"

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Long year over for Bragg families
Loved ones celebrate the return of several hundred soldiers deployed to Iraq

Dan Kane, Staff Writer
FAYETTEVILLE - Sunday afternoon wasn't the first time Amy Denton stood behind a ribbon at Pope Air Force Base, several children in tow, anxiously awaiting the return of her husband.
Three years ago, Chief Warrant Officer Daniel Denton, a helicopter pilot with the Army's 82nd Airborne Division, had his first tour in Iraq, spending six and a half months flying combat missions.

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The regiment, known as the Horsemen, flew nearly 6,900 missions in Iraq, including reconnaissance and direct support of troops engaged in combat. One member, Capt. Matthew Mattingly, was killed by enemy fire; seven others were wounded.

Denton, 33, said this tour was much more intense than the previous. "There was a lot more activity," Denton said. "You can tell that the insurgency is much larger than it was before." During his time away, his son Gavyn, who turns 2 next month, had learned how to walk and talk. Gavyn said "Daddy" on cue when his mother pointed out his accomplishments.

The Iraq war has been a strain on the nation's forces, as President Bush and military leaders underestimated the insurgents' resolve. Some family members said they hoped the war would come to a close before their loved ones had to go back for another tour. "There are so many soldiers that are dying, and it's just too many," said Nika Ambeau, 23, whose husband, Kyle, 21, a specialist, was among the returnees. "So we should bring our troops back home."

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