Area soldier returns from his second tour of duty in Afghanistan

By Geneva Cornwell

For SSg Jon Raegan Guzman, his “Welcome Home” from a second tour in Afghanistan was a real one to build memories.
After serving for 12 months at U.S. Army Camp Bostick located in Naray, a northeastern city of the country, Guzman, upon his return, was glad to touch American soil and to experience a real moving sense of all the wonderful freedoms which our country affords us, especially the freedom of mobility without constraints.
This time around, Jon’s military position was what would be considered in “civilian” terms as an air traffic controller, making sure that all helicopters coming in and out of the area with military personnel and supplies did not fly into each other. His job was truly strategic, being one of 12 support troops assisting every trooper in front-line combat duty.
Jon’s first tour in Afghanistan in 2005-2006 was spent in Kabul. The experience taught him much about the people and the terrain, as he went out on team patrols.
The latest tour taught him about the differences in middle eastern tribal culture and government.
He even learned of the richness of the area in gems and as a result he has begun a hobby as a gemologist.
At a recent celebration of his homecoming hosted by his parents, Carl and Geneva Cornwell of Gilchrst County, Guzman shared from his perspective and experience what the United States is doing for the Afghan people.
He also explained the many actual uncut gem stones growing out of the rocks, which he had collected in country and placed in a shadow box for all to see.
After his leave, Jon returns to Ft. Hood, Texas.
In November he will begin his status as an instructor of a new generation of recruits at Ft. Jackson, South Carolina, where he will be stationed until 2012.