FORT STEWART, Ga. - Soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 9th Field Artillery Regiment “Battlekings,” 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, returned home March 7 after being deployed for more than six months in Afghanistan.
The soldiers, glad to be home, had only a few short briefings and a short ceremony before they were reunited with their loved ones on Cottrell Field.
The ceremony was short and to the point, with the key-note speaker, Brig. Gen. John Hort, deputy commander, commander home detachment, 3rd Infantry Division, welcoming them home in good fashion.
“We are so proud of what you did down range … you all are heroes and warriors. Welcome home,” said Hort.
The soldiers deployed to Afghanistan in order to help train Afghan Security Forces in the International Security Assistance Force's Regional Command-East.
The returning soldiers represent approximately half of the total deployed Battlekings, and are home earlier then expected due to mission accomplishment.
The Battlekings who are still deployed are expected to stay until later this year.