Forest Grove's 2-218th returns from yearlong deployment to Iraq, Syria
Hundreds of National Guard soldiers who train and work in Forest Grove returned from a yearlong overseas deployment to Iraq and Syria on Saturday.
Hundreds of National Guard soldiers who train and work in Forest Grove returned from a yearlong overseas deployment to Iraq and Syria on Saturday.
They were met with a resounding welcome from their loved ones who gathered in the gymnasium at Happy Valley's Camp Withycombe, clutching signs, flowers, and American flags.
(Disclosure: This journalist's brother-in-law was deployed to Iraq in the 2-218th and was among those who returned Saturday)
Also on hand to welcome them back were representatives from the Forest Grove Police Department, including Police Chief Henry Reimann and Captain Clarice Gordon.
The department had previously told News in the Grove that one of their employees was deployed overseas. Also present was the Clackamas Fire District, which had hung a large flag from a ladder truck.
McKenna Cole-Haines' family was waiting for her to return, holding a banner as she rode in on one of several buses carrying soldiers to Camp Withycombe.
While families waited for the buses to roll in, Suki frolicked in the sprinklers. Video: Chas Hundley
Suki enjoying the sprinklers while families wait for the buses. Photos: Chas Hundley
Asked what she was looking forward to most upon her return, Barbara Haines said spending time with her was the priority.
"Just spending time with her, and taking her everywhere she wants to go to get whatever foods or whatever she wants to do," she said. The interview with her and the rest of the family—Nick and Mike Haines—was cut short by the cry of "Buses!" as they rolled in.
Photos: Chas Hundley
After families had streamed back inside the gymnasium, the troops marched in, standing briefly in formation until they were dismissed to be with their loved ones.
Video: Chas Hundley
Prior to their arrival in Oregon, the troops had spent around two weeks in Texas at Fort Bliss, where they underwent medical processing and had an opportunity to address financial, administrative records, awards, issued equipment, and more.
Lt. Col. Anna Robledo is the rear detachment commander for the 2-218th.
"Colonel Manuel Robledo (editor: no relation) took the majority of the unit downrange, and I'm in charge of the folks who are left," she said in an interview with News in the Grove at Camp Withycombe.
Just under 200 were left to attend drill and work out of the Forest Grove National Guard Armory on Taylor Way after about 230 were deployed last year to support Operation Inherent Resolve, a multinational mission to combat ISIS. Oregon Army National Guard’s 2nd Battalion, 218th Field Artillery Regiment was joined by troops from California and South Carolina as part of the deployment.
"There are so many resources out there," Robledo said. She highlighted the work of the Soldier and Family Readiness Group, a unit-sponsored volunteer group that supports military families.
"They're the ones who have put this together," she said. The group does monthly check-ins with the family of deployed soldiers, among other support tasks, Robledo added.
"They're really our go-to when a soldier or a family member needs assistance, either throughout the deployment or in this reintegration phase," she said.
Robledo also noted that during the deployment, soldiers had access to behavioral healthcare.
The members of the National Guard deployed from Forest Grove will be honored with a demobilization ceremony in November, to be held at Pacific University at a date to be announced.
Following that, they'll be expected to return to drill weekends starting in December.
"Now we'll have a much bigger presence in Forest Grove on drill weekends, similar to what it was before," she said.
"Hopefully you'll see us out in the community," she added.
Robledo asked that employers give returning soldiers some grace as they reintegrate into civilian life after a deployment.
"Just having the support of our employers goes a long way to helping with that reintegration process," she said, noting that for most, the National Guard was a part-time gig.
Tables had been set up by several veteran and military support groups with literature, swag and more for the families awaiting the return of the soldiers. Popcorn, refreshments, and toys sat on other tables.
“It’s an honor to welcome this group back,” said Sgt. Maj. Adrian Gonzales, command sergeant major for the 2-218th FA rear detachment. “They did an outstanding job out there."
