Oregon Army National Guard’s 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT) has returned home after a year-long deployment to Kosovo. The soldiers were part of the NATO-led Kosovo Force (KFOR) mission, which aims to maintain peace and stability in the Balkans. Approximately 300 soldiers participated in the 34th KFOR rotation, with personnel also hailing from Idaho, West Virginia, New Jersey, and Tennessee.
Homecoming Ceremony
A welcome home event was held at Camp Withycombe to honor the returning soldiers and their families. Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Twigg, commander of the 2nd Battalion, 162nd Infantry Regiment, commended the troops for their professionalism and dedication during their service in Kosovo. He highlighted their role in building partnerships and maintaining stability in the region.
Key Contributions and International Cooperation
- Oregon soldiers conducted over 4,000 security patrols, engaged with the public more than 13,000 times, and volunteered 5,000 hours to support local communities in Kosovo.
- The brigade played a critical role in responding to a significant terrorist attack, ensuring the security of vital infrastructure and collaborating with international partners.
- Soldiers engaged in integrated patrols with German and Latvian forces in challenging terrain and worked alongside Italian, Hungarian, Slovenian, Turkish, and Swiss soldiers in operational planning.
Lessons Learned and Future Applications
Colonel Peter Helzer, commander of the 41st IBCT, emphasized the importance of building trust and strong relationships with international partners. The skills acquired during the deployment, particularly in organization, communication, and logistics, are expected to be directly applicable to domestic operations and emergency services in Oregon.
Strategic Importance and Family Support
Helzer also underscored the strategic significance of the KFOR mission in maintaining stability in the Balkans, a region historically vital for global peace. He expressed gratitude to the families for their unwavering support and resilience during the soldiers’ absence, acknowledging their crucial role in the mission’s success.
Sources
- Oregon Guard Brigade Returns After Kosovo Deployment > National Guard, National Guard.mil.
