New York Army National Guard soldiers back in United States from Afghan deployment

Courtesy Photo | The 2-108th Infantry commander, Lt. Col. Joseph Bieler, and Command Sgt. Maj. David Oliver, of the Army National Guard's 2nd Battalion, 108th Infantry, uncase the battalion colors during a May ceremony.  

LATHAM, NY, UNITED STATES

09.18.2012

Courtesy Story

New York National Guard

LATHAM, NY - Five hundred New York Army National Guard soldiers who deployed to Afghanistan in April returned to Camp Shelby, Mississippi this week to begin the redeployment and demobilization process.

The soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 108th Infantry Regiment and Company C of the 427th Brigade Support Battalion deployed to Afghanistan as Task Force Iron to perform a security mission in bases around that country.

The soldiers were among 1,800 New York Army National Guard soldiers assigned to the 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team who mobilized in January for service in Afghanistan and Kuwait.

The Task Force Iron soldiers began arriving at Camp Shelby Sept. 12 and the last contingent arrived today.

The soldiers will spend up to 14 days going through the demobilization process before arriving back in New York.

Fifty soldiers assigned to Company C 427th Brigade Support Battalion – which is headquartered at the Connecticut Street Armory in Buffalo-will return beginning Sept. 20. The soldiers will fly to the airport nearest their home as individuals and be met by military personnel and their families at the airport.

The soldiers assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 108th Infantry-headquartered in Utica and has deployed elements from armories in Ithaca, Ogdensburg, Morrisonville, Ithaca, Saranac Lake, and Gloversville-will return in two groups.

One contingent is expected home this weekend and a second group is expected around Sept. 29.

Company A of the 2nd Battalion 108th Infantry, which is based in Geneseo, deployed to Kuwait with other elements of the 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team. Those soldiers will be home later this fall.

• Date Taken: 09.18.2012
• Date Posted: 09.18.2012 15:34
• Story ID: 94912
• Location: LATHAM, NY, US