Photo By Sgt. Zachary Zepp | Oklahoma Army National Guard soldier, Staff Sgt. Mark Bartell, member of 1345...... read more read more
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Story by Cadet Jessica Todd, 145th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
MUSTANG, Okla. - Heavy rain didn’t keep family and friends from attending the homecoming ceremony of more than 150 Soldiers from the Oklahoma Army National Guard’s 1345th Transportation Company, 345th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 90th Troop Command, at the Mustang Armed Forces Reserve Center in Mustang, Oklahoma, on Saturday, August 12, after returning from duty in Kuwait.
The Soldiers conducted sustainment operations and transportation support throughout Kuwait during a year-long deployment as part of Operation Spartan Shield and Operation Inherent Resolve.
Capt. Aaron Knott, commander of the 1345th, gave the opening remarks. He welcomed Oklahoma State Senators Greg Treat (district 47) and Roger Thompson (district 8), among many other distinguished guests, family and friends, who were in attendance to support the Soldiers.
“It has been an honor and a privilege to command and serve you,” said Knott as he addressed his Soldiers in formation. “Together we collaborated, aligned on the way forward, and never missed a timeline or a mission while in theater. You are a subject matter expert, a true craftsman. Congratulations on a job well done.“
The ceremony concluded with Brig. Gen. Louis Wilham, the interim adjutant general for Oklahoma, giving thanks to the Soldiers and over 500 family, friends, and supporters in attendance.
“The unit drove over 900,000 miles combined of accident-free mission support,” said Wilham. “Soldiers of the 1345, outstanding job. Congratulations on a successful deployment.”
Upon the first sergeant's dismissal of the Soldiers, the room erupted in a loud roar. One large group of supporters welcomed Sgt. Adam Taylor home. More than 20 friends, family, church members, and wife greeted him, each wearing matching T-shirts with his name, a picture of him in uniform, and a “Welcome Home” message.
“I’m very happy to have my Soldier home,” said wife, Kayla Taylor. “We’ve been together for eight years, but we got married last July.” Kayla and Sgt. Taylor married shortly before the 1345th’s deployment began in 2016.
The Kuwait deployment ends safely for the 1345th TC. The unit last returned home from deployment from Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2007.
| Date Taken: | 08.12.2017 |
| Date Posted: | 08.12.2017 21:49 |
| Story ID: | 244686 |
| Location: | MUSTANG, OK, US |
| Web Views: | 213 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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