FORT DIX, N.J. - The 275th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion touched down on U.S. soil early morning Dec. 23, after their challenging deployment to Iraq was completed.

The men and women of the 275th were literally among the last Soldiers to exit Iraq, and redefined what a CSSB is capable of. The 275th was the largest CSSB during OIF, the only CSSB to conduct retrograde operations, and the only CSSB with United States Forces Iraq to close down Operation New Dawn.

The units mission was constantly changing, forcing Soldiers to adapt and evolve. Originally slated with providing Sustainment Operations for combat forces, the 275th mission changed to include retrograde support with the largest transportation mission in theatre.

“The soldiers embraced the additional work,” said Lt. Col. Christopher S. Houston, 275th commander. “The reason they embraced it is because it allowed us to fully utilize our assets. It kept our soldiers engaged. We were happy to have such a positive affect on the overall mission.”

As the soldiers departed the plane, a welcoming party to include their former Commanding General, Brig. Gen. Peter S. Lennon, 1st Brigade, 75th Training Division commander, and other senior members in their chain of command greeted them.

With the intent of getting the sdoldiers home for the holidays, no time was wasted in getting down to business. After getting their rooms assigned and dropping off their gear, introduction briefings immediately began. After the briefings were concluded members of the USO and Vietnam Veterans of America proudly prepared and served the soldiers their first meal on American soil. The VVA’s founding principle is "Never again will one generation of veterans abandon another,” and they certainly live up to it.

While the soldiers ate their meals, a combined look of fatigue and excitement could be seen on their faces.

“It’s been a long deployment,” said Sgt. Travis Scott, an automated Logistical specialist with the 275th. I have a wife and three kids that I’m excited to see for Christmas. Getting home for the holidays puts a happy ending on a good deployment.”

Following the breakfast was a Welcome Home Warrior Citizen event for nine 275th soldiers who returned home earlier this month. The WHW-C program was developed in 2004 to acknowledge service abroad by soldiers in the Army Reserve. As part of the ceremony soldiers were presented with a personalized, encased American flag, and a yellow Welcome Home Warrior-Citizen flag.

Welcome home to the men and women of the 275th CSSB.

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