BISMARCK, N.D. - A group of North Dakota National Guard Soldiers who have been serving in Afghanistan since January are returning to the U.S. this week, nearly three months earlier than their original demobilization date. Nearly a quarter of the 40-member, Bismarck-based 814th Medical Company (Area Support) is scheduled to arrive in Fort Hood, Texas, on Friday, where they will conduct the demobilization process before returning to North Dakota, no longer than two weeks later.
Another quarter of the unit will return to the U.S. at the end of August, and the remainder of the Soldiers will return at the end of October. The early return of about half the unit is a result of the recent drawdown of American forces from Afghanistan.
Capt. Coty Sicble, of Bismarck, North Dakota, commands the 814th, while 1st Sgt. Kenneth Baer, of Garrison, North Dakota, serves as the senior enlisted leader. About half of the group are medics, but the unit also includes a doctor, dentist, nurse and physician assistant.
The 814th Medical Company's primary mission while serving under the 62nd Medical Brigade in Afghanistan is to provide patient transport between treatment facilities on base as well as medical treatment for coalition forces at a troop medical clinic.
This deployment served as the unit's first in the Global War on Terrorism, although about a dozen of the Soldiers have previously deployed.
WHO: Soldiers with the 814th Medical Company (Area Support)
WHAT: Arriving to the U.S. from Afghanistan
WHEN: Friday, Aug. 8, 2014
WHERE: Fort Hood, Texas
MEDIA: N.D. National Guard Public Affairs Representative Jennifer Joyce will be on-site. For coordination, call 701-226-7185.