The members of the 1st Battalion, 181st Infantry Regiment, their families, and friends received early gifts for the Holidays this year with the return of the battalion after a 10-month deployment to the Middle East in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.
Three hundred and twenty-nine days after the last Soldier stepped on the plane to leave Massachusetts, the last Soldier stepped off the plane back at Hanscom Air Force Base. Soldiers began arriving in groups on November 28th, and by December 22nd, the remaining Soldiers of the battalion had returned to Massachusetts.
While the Soldiers returning all took the same route home – flying from Texas to Hanscom AFB and then boarding buses to Worcester – almost every homecoming was a bit different. Some were welcomed home with warm temperatures and sunny skies, while others were greeted with rain, snow, and freezing temperatures.
At every arrival, senior leaders from the Massachusetts National Guard greeted the Soldiers as they departed the plane, welcoming them home and thanking them for their service. For a few of the returns, Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey was on the flightline to welcome home the returning service members.
Once in Worcester, the Soldiers departed their buses and marched into the Lincoln St. Armory, where their families and friends eagerly awaited their release.
“I’m not going to belabor this and keep your Soldiers from you,” said Brig. Gen. Richard Cipro, Assistant Adjutant General, Army, Massachusetts National Guard. “I need to take a second to say thank you to you and your families for all you do to support your Soldiers. Without you, it would be impossible for us to defend our United States. I know that you can’t wait; this is the best Christmas present ever, so let’s get them home to you right now!” he continued.
During the deployment, Soldiers of the 1-181 were stationed throughout the Middle East and served in a variety of roles. Some of these included training partner nations in Iraq and Syria, conducting security patrols, providing base security, and leading Task Force Badger.
We thank the Soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 181st Infantry Regiment for their hard work, dedication, service, and sacrifice over the last ten months. Welcome home.
