Holiday Season Marks Different Milestones for Vermont Deployments

Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Jason Alvarez | Gen. Daniel Hokanson, Chief of the National Guard Bureau, and his wife Ms. Kelly Hokanson, pose for a picture with Soldiers deployed to Kosovo after a Sisters-In-Arms luncheon on Camp Bondsteel, Kosovo, November 23, 2021. The CNGB was on a USO Tour visiting deployed National Guard Soldiers. USO tours build morale for deployed Soldiers, and help to bring back a part of home. The CNGB held break-out sessions for enlisted Soldiers and officers, on top of a variety of other meetings during his brief stay.  

CAMP BONDSTEEL, KOSOVO

11.25.2021

Story by Capt. Mikel Arcovitch 

KFOR Regional Command East

With winter right around the corner and the Holiday Season upon us, Soldiers from the Vermont National Guard deployed around the world hit a variety of different milestones.

Vermont Soldiers deployed to Kosovo prepare to celebrate the Holiday season away from their loved ones – many for the first time. This time of year is usually reserved for celebration with close family and friends, and giving thanks for all the aspects of our lives that fill our bucket. We will of course celebrate Thanksgiving, just with our deployment family and some new traditions. Homemade turkey and stuffing aren’t on the menu, but many have plans to get together and make Thanksgiving (and all Holidays for that matter) as normal as possible. Soldiers remain mission focused, but each individual finds different ways to make their experience special.

As Vermonters deployed to Kosovo prepare to celebrate the Holiday Season away from home, Soldiers from Task Force Avalanche and the 172nd Military Police Detachment are on the doorstep of arriving home after successfully completing their respective missions. It’s a stark contrast, but what a great way to celebrate the holiday season and start the new year for our Soldiers returning. This is great news for Vermont as so many of our sons and daughters return to the U.S.

Soldiers on Camp Bondsteel in Kosovo were visited by Gen. Daniel Hokanson and a team from the USO with New Orleans Saints Hall-of-Famer Michael Lewis and Comedian/Actress Chaunte’ Wayans. It was a great change of pace for Soldiers. Many thanks to Gen. Hokanson, Ms. Wayans, Mr. Lewis, the USO, and the team from NGB for making it all happen.

Thanksgiving Day on Camp Bondsteel and in Kosovo overall looks to be a good one. A few ‘Turkey Trot’ type races, some Thanksgiving dinner from the dining facility served by our leadership, and a lot of Soldiers celebrating together. Holidays are tough, especially those of us with young families, but that’s why we have each other. “Thanksgiving is a day to remember the good things in our lives. For those of us deployed, it is critical to check in with families and loved ones on this day we typically gather to celebrate. Check in on each other too. Holidays are hard for deployed Soldiers, but know that we have each other and some great activities planned, and look to celebrating together.” Said Col Brey Hopkins, Commander of the 86th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (MTN) / Regional Command – East in Kosovo.

The mission of providing a safe and secure environment and freedom of movement for the people of Kosovo continues. We remain focused on our tasks and training. Soldiers from Vermont and many other states supporting Kosovo Force (KFOR), Regional Command – East continue representing the National Guard and United States with dignity and honor. We are thankful for the unwavering support we receive from our home towns and states. Know that every bit of support sent from home is felt 10-fold by deployed Soldiers. Thank you for your continued support.

• Date Taken: 11.25.2021
• Date Posted: 11.26.2021 03:31
• Story ID: 410051
• Location: CAMP BONDSTEEL, ZZ