Minneapolis native returns to states after yearlong deployment

News: Minneapolis native returns to states after yearlong deployment

Task Force 38

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Story by Staff Sgt. Jeff Lowry Follow This Journalist

Staff Sgt. Jeff Lowry

Minnesota Army National Guard Maj. Joel M. Adams, right, Minneapolis, receives a Meritorious Service Medal from Col. David C. Wood, Task Force 38 commander, in a ceremony at Joint Base Balad, Iraq, May 22. Adams is set to return to the states after a nearly 6-month deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He worked as a tactical operations center battle captain.

JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq – Minnesota Army National Guard Maj. Joel M. Adams, a Minneapolis native, is set to return to the states after a nearly yearlong deployment in Iraq.

Adams, now of Eagan, Minn., reflected on his deployment with the Indiana-based brigade.
"The mission of Task Force 38 was very rewarding and being assigned to a unit that is focused on taking care of its people is very refreshing," said Adams.

Task Force 38 Soldiers planned, coordinated and executed fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft missions in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

"The dignitaries and the Soldiers who we transported keep them out of harm's way because traveling by road is dangerous," said Adams. "It adds to the overall safety and mission effectiveness and mission accomplishment."

Adams, an aviation officer, has served in the military for 20 years.

He is a 1989 graduate of Minneapolis Lutheran High School in Bloomington, Minn., and a 1994 graduate of the University of North Dakota.

Adams is married to Corinne, and his parents, Daniel and Julia, reside in Minneapolis.

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