Soldiers' Homecomings

Emotional reunions between soldiers and families. Scenes of joyful embraces and welcoming gatherings, highlighting the bond between military personnel and their loved ones.

U.S. Soldiers, distinguished visitors and family members attended the 1st Battalion, 487th Field Artillery Regiment (1-487 FA) Target Acquisition Section, 29th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Hawaii Army National Guard deployment ceremony at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, Jan. 6, 2024. Soldiers assigned to 1-487 FA Target Acquisition Section prepare to deploy in support of Operation Enduring Freedom while conducting Operation Juniper Shield.

A Soldier assigned to the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School poses for a photo following a Regimental First Formation at Fort Bragg, North Carolina August 18, 2022. The ceremony marked the completion of the Special Forces Qualification Course where Soldiers earned the honor of wearing the green beret, the official headgear of Special Forces.

Airmen from the 422nd Air Base Squadron greet Lt. Col. Christopher Hergenreter, right, 422nd ABS incoming commander, and his daughter, after a 422nd ABS change of command ceremony at Royal Air Force Croughton, England, June 6, 2022. The ceremony is a military tradition that represents a formal transfer of a units authority and responsibility from one commander to another.

U.S. Soldiers, distinguished visitors and family members attended the 1st Battalion, 487th Field Artillery Regiment (1-487 FA) Target Acquisition Section, 29th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Hawaii Army National Guard deployment ceremony at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, Jan. 6, 2024. Soldiers assigned to 1-487 FA Target Acquisition Section prepare to deploy in support of Operation Enduring Freedom while conducting Operation Juniper Shield.

More than 100 Soldiers representing 1st and 2nd Battalions, 501st Aviation Regiment, Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Armored Division return to Fort Bliss Sept. 28 after a nine-month deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Families and friends of the returning Iron Eagles gathered at the Arrival/Departure Airfield Control Group and offered a warm welcome home to their loved ones. The mission of the battalions, which were broken into Task Force Dragon and TF Reaper, was to provide aviation assets for combat, medical evacuation, and troop and equipment transport for U.S., International and Afghan National Security Forces.

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Graham Sullivan, a platoon commander with Reconnaissance Detachment, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, passes his daughter to his wife during a homecoming aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, October 10, 2022. Marines and Sailors assigned to the 22nd MEU returned home after completing a seven-month deployment with the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group in the U.S. Naval Sixth Fleet area of operations.

U.S. Marines and their families reunite after Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 161, Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, return from their deployment at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, April 11, 2022. VMM-161 returned from a deployment serving as the East African Aviation Combat Element 22.1.

The South Carolina National Guard conducted a deployment ceremony at McEntire Joint National Guard Base in Eastover, South Carolina, Sept. 4, 2019, to recognize the mobilization of Detachment 2, Charlie Company, 2-238th General Support Aviation Battalion (MEDEVAC) in support of Operation Freedom's Sentinel. More than 25 Soldiers with Detachment 2, Charlie Company, 2-238th General Support Aviation Battalion (MEDEVAC), 59th Aviation Troop Command, South Carolina National Guard, will deploy to the Middle East for approximately nine months to provide medical evacuation assets to the area of operations.

Sgt. Joshua Rhim, an all-source intel analyst with Charlie Company, 519th Intelligence and Electronic Warfare Battalion, 525th Expeditionary Military Intelligence Brigade, hugs a friend at his promotion ceremony from Specialist to Sergeant on Sept. 1, 2022 in Wiesbaden, Germany. Rhim is currently deployed in Europe with individuals from XVIII Airborne Corps in order to assure NATO allies and deter Russian aggression.

A Soldier assigned to 1st Battalion, 64th Armor Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, reunites with his family during one of several welcome home ceremonies at Fort Stewart, Georgia, Aug. 16, 2022. The 1st ABCT Soldiers deployed to Germany in support of NATO allies to deter Russian aggression while also supporting a range of other requirements in the area.

A Soldier with the 2nd Battalion, 174th Air Defense Artillery Regiment spends time with his new son after the units welcome home ceremony March 31, 2018, in McConnelsville, Ohio. The 2-174th was deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, where the units primary duty was to operate systems that detect and/or destroy incoming artillery, rockets and mortar rounds in the air before they hit their ground targets, to protect coalition forces. (Ohio National Guard

Airmen assigned to the 20th Fighter Wing return from a deployment at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., April 18, 2015. Approximately 200 Airmen deployed to the U. S. Central Command area of responsibility for six month.

Pfc. Zachary Geremia, a fire control specialist assigned to 1st Battalion, 41st Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, reunites with his family during one of several welcome home ceremonies at Fort Stewart, Georgia, Aug. 26, 2022. The brigade deployed to Germany in February 2022, as the immediate response force to deter Russian aggression against NATO allies and partners, under the 1st Infantry Division.

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Aaron Farris, 23rd Contracting Squadron senior enlisted leader, hugs his daughter goodbye at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, Oct. 24, 2022. The 23rd Wing deployed A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft and support personnel to Andersen Air Force Base, Guam for a routine Dynamic Force Employment Operation.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. James Morrison, 756th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron commander, and his family explore the 56th Operations and Maintenance Groups Open House Dec. 2, 2022, at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. The open house showcased both past and present technologies used by the U.S. Air Force to base personnel, honorary commanders, and residents from the surrounding community.

Airmen with the 182nd Airlift Wing Airmen, Illinois Air National Guard, and their families take part in Family Day at the 182nd Airlift Wing in Peoria, Illinois, Sept. 10, 2022. The event was organized to promote resiliency in Airmen and families.

110322-N-0640G-026TRAVIS AFB, Calif. (March 22, 2011)Master Sgt. Cory Gatewood, left, welcomes a Navy family to Travis Air Force Base after a flight from Japan. Volunteers from Naval Air Stations Lemoore and Fallon assisted Travis Air Force Base personnel with the arrival of military families voluntarily evacuating Japan.

Janelle Kunkel, the spouse of Command Sgt. Maj. Rocky Kunkel, the incoming senior enlisted advisor for the "Hound Battalion," 3rd Battalion, 67th Armor Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, receives a bouquet of yellow roses during the battalion change of responsibility ceremony on Cottrell Field at Fort Stewart, Georgia, June 22, 2022. The presentation of roses is a change of responsibility tradition that is a symbol of transition and a new beginning for the unit.

U.S. Navy Cmdr. Garry Thorton, chaplain, Marine Aircraft Group 31, Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Beaufort, speaks to family and friends during Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA(AW)) 533s homecoming at MCAS Beaufort, South Carolina, Oct. 5, 2022. VMFA(AW)-533 returned from the Unit Deployment Program which provides forward-presence and assists commanders around the globe.

baby snuggles with active duty military mom in uniform

U.S. Marine Corps 1st. Lt. Josh Rogers, assigned to Battalion Landing Team 2/6, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), holds his daughter after reuniting with his family during a homecoming aboard Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Oct. 10, 2022. Marines and Sailors assigned to the 22nd MEU returned home after completing a seven-month deployment with the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group in the U.S. Naval Sixth Fleet area of operations.

The Rhode Island Army National Guard and approximately 400 loved ones, welcomed home more than 100 soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 126th Aviation Regiment after a ten-month deployment to Kosovo, Feb. 17, 2024, at Quonset Air National Guard Base, North Kingstown, RI. They were deployed in support of Operation Joint Guardian, a NATO peacekeeping mission under the Kosovo Force (KFOR). KFORs mission is to provide a safe and secure environment and freedom of movement in Kosovo in accordance with United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1244. Army National Guard

U.S. Air Force Col. Gordon Meyer presents the Home Front Hero Award to children of airmen who were deployed at Rosecrans Air National Guard Base, St. Joseph, Missouri, Sept. 11, 2022. The award recognizes children of deployed airmen for their outstanding efforts.

A U.S. Marine with Combat Logistics Battalion 26, reunites with his family after completing a seven-month deployment with the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) in the U.S. Naval Sixth Fleet area of operations on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina Oct. 10, 2022. The ARG and embarked 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit is operating in the Atlantic Ocean in support of naval operations to maintain maritime stability and security in order to ensure access, deter aggression and defend U.S., allied and partner interests.

Airmen from the 139th Airlift Wing, Missouri Air National Guard, are greeted by family members at Rosecrans Air National Guard Base, St. Joseph, Missouri, Nov. 19, 2020. The Airmen were deployed to U.S. Central Commands area of responsibility where they provided C-130 Hercules aircraft support for Operation Inherent Resolve and Operation Resolute Support.

Georgia Army National Guard Capt. Chad Tyson receives a hug from son Chase during a welcome home ceremony for the Georgia National Guard's Agribusiness Development Team III, which returned home to Marietta, Ga., after a 10-month deployment to Afghanistan. Specially trained by the University of Georgia Agricultural Science Department, ADT 3 assisted Afghan farmers in improving crop yield, food storage practices, and water conservation.

Local elected officials and senior leaders from the Virginia National Guard join family, friends and fellow Soldiers in welcoming home the final groups of Soldiers assigned to the Lynchburg-based 1st Battalion, 116th Infantry Regiment, 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team April 1, 2017, in Roanoke, Virginia. Approximately 450 Soldiers from 1st Battalion, also known as the Red Dragons, began serving on federal active duty in May 2016 and conducted security operations in Qatar.

Members of the Colorado Army National Guard 193rd Military Police Battalion and 220th Military Police Company are met by family, friends and dignitaries for the units welcome home ceremony Sept. 5, 2015 at hanger 909, Buckley Air Force Base, Aurora, Colorado. The Soldiers, part of Joint Task Force Guantanamo are returning from a yearlong mission at Guantanamo Bay Cuba, where they provided sustained humane care and custody of detainees through the conduct of transparent detention operations while ensuring the safety and security of all personnel in support of Operation Enduring Freedom

The first group of Virginia National Guard Soldiers assigned to Task Force Red Dragon returns to Virginia and reunites with loved ones and fellow Soldiers Sept. 22, 2022, in Sandston, Virginia, after serving on federal active duty since November 2021. More than 1,000 Virginia and Kentucky National Guard troops under the command of the Lynchburg-based 1st Battalion, 116th Infantry Regiment, 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team conducted security operations throughout the Horn of Africa and provided the East Africa Response Force in support of the U.S. government for crisis response throughout East Africa. A transfer of authority ceremony with the New York Army National Guards 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry Regiment was conducted Sept. 19. More Soldiers will return to Virginia in the coming weeks after completing administrative tasks transitioning them back to a traditional National Guard status, but an exact date for their return has not been finalized.

U.S. Army Aviation Advanced Individual Training Soldiers assigned to Company C, 1st Battalion, 222d Aviation Regiment, practice proper techniques during Combatives Physical Readiness Training June 8, 2022, at Fort Eustis, Virginia.

220128-N-YS140-026Fort Pickett, Va. (Jan. 28, 2022) Lance Cpl. Jami Jakubik, data systems administrator, Headquarters and Services Company, 23rd Marine Regiment, from College Station, Texas, embraces Afghan evacuees departing Safe Haven Pickett for resettlement. The Department of Defense, through U.S. Northern Command, and in support of the Department of Homeland Security, is providing transportation, temporary housing, medical screening, and general support for at least 50,000 Afghan evacuees at suitable facilities, in permanent or temporary structures, as quickly as possible. This initiative provides Afghan personnel essential support at secure locations outside Afghanistan. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist John Pearl)

SSgt Robin Olsen of the Tennessee National Guard and her son await the arrival of Contry Music Star Trace Adkins at the 118 Airlift Wing in Nashville Tn. Mr Adkins is shooting his latest music video on the ramp at the ANG Base.

Deploying Soldiers from the 1st Squadron, 150th Cavalry Regiment, as well as other Soldiers from units who will join the 30th Armored Brigade Combat Team (ABCT), bid farewell to family and friends Aug. 25, 2019, before departing for pre-deployment training. The 30th ABCT, which consists of 4,200 Soldiers from North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina and West Virginia, will be deploying to the Middle East in support of Operation Spartan Shield in the coming months.

Airmen from the 139th Airlift Wing, Missouri Air National Guard, are greeted by family members at Rosecrans Air National Guard Base, St. Joseph, Missouri, Nov. 19, 2020. The Airmen were deployed to U.S. Central Commands area of responsibility where they provided C-130 Hercules aircraft support for Operation Inherent Resolve and Operation Resolute Support.

Friends and family welcome 55th Fighter Generation Squadron maintainers, 55th Fighter Squadron pilots and supporting personnel home from deployment at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, April 29, 2022. The 55th Fighter Squadron and Fighter Generation Squadrons returned from a six-month deployment supporting U.S. Central Commands area of responsibility.

A Marine gives a football to a baby during the Fiesta Bowl Parade in Phoenix, Ariz., Dec. 31. Marines walked in the parade, handing out footballs and information about the Semper Fidelis All American Bowl put on by the Marine Corps and Junior Rank, which will feature the nations top 100 senior football players Jan. 3 at Chase Field in Phoenix.

A U.S. Army soldier assigned to the 142nd Area Support Medical Company, Connecticut Army National Guard, holds another soldier from the Connecticut Army National Guard in an embrace at the Connecticut Army National Guard Army Aviation Support Facility in Windsor Locks, Connecticut, Sept. 8, 2022. The 142nd ASMC previously spent the past nine months deployed to Poland providing medical care in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve.

Marines with II Marine Expeditionary Force returned to Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina, from a deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, Dec. 6, 2014. HMLA-467 was part of the last Marines to be deployed to the Helmand province of Afghanistan in support of OEF with the purpose of providing close-air support to the Marines operating on the ground.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Kent A. Lundy, the 181st Intelligence Wing chaplain, and Chief Master Sgt. Michael C. May, the state command chief for the Indiana Air National Guard, embrace after a retreat ceremony at Hulman Field Air National Guard Base, Ind., Sept. 10, 2022. This specific retreat ceremony was in honor of Mays retirement.

U.S Army soldiers assigned to 330th Movement Control Battalion arrive at Fort Bragg N.C. Dec. 12th. The 330th Movement Control Battalion completed a nine-month deployment to EUCOM in support of Atlantic Resolve.

The Rhode Island Army National Guard and approximately 400 loved ones, welcomed home more than 100 soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 126th Aviation Regiment after a ten-month deployment to Kosovo, Feb. 17, 2024, at Quonset Air National Guard Base, North Kingstown, RI. They were deployed in support of Operation Joint Guardian, a NATO peacekeeping mission under the Kosovo Force (KFOR). KFORs mission is to provide a safe and secure environment and freedom of movement in Kosovo in accordance with United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1244. Army National Guard

U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Enrique O. Valenzuela, left, and Spc. Rodolfo V. Velazquez, both with 1st Squadron, 102nd Cavalry, New Jersey Army National Guard, pose for photos with their children before the Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, and Alpha and Bravo Troops farewell ceremony at the armory in Westfield, N.J., Jan. 21, 2019. The three units are deploying to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan in support of Operation Spartan Shield. (New Jersey National Guard

U.S. Air Force Maj. Kevin 'Sajac' Donovan, a pilot with the 131st Fighter Squadron, helps a member of the Southwick Massachusetts Boy Scout Troop 338 and accompanying family members try on flight equipment during a tour of the 104th Fighter Wing April 22, 2022, at Barnes Air National Guard Base, Massachusetts. Tours provide an opportunity to strengthen relationships while highlighting the unique mission and skillset of the 104FW to the surrounding community and community partners.

U.S. Air Force Airmen with the 177th Fighter Wing, New Jersey Air National Guard, are reunited with their families at the Atlantic City Air National Guard Base, N.J., Aug. 3, 2021. During the more than four-month deployment, the Airmen supported U.S. Central Command operations in the Middle East. (New Jersey National Guard

More than 100 Virginia Air National Guard engineers reunite with family, friends and fellow Airmen May 5, 2021, at the State Military Reservation in Virginia Beach, Virginia, after serving on federal active duty in Southwest Asia since October 2020. Virginia National Guard leaders were also on hand to thank them for their service and welcome them home. Airmen assigned to the Virginia Beach-based 203rd Rapid Engineer Deployable Heavy Operational Repair Squadron Engineers, or RED HORSE, were responsible for 15 projects in six countries in support of Operation Freedom's Sentinel.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Chase Todd, 459th Airlift Squadron UH-1N Huey pilot, poses for a photo with Japanese attendees during the Japanese-American Friendship Festival 2022, at Yokota Air Base, Japan, May 22, 2022. The two-day festival was an opportunity for visitors to learn more about the U.S. and Japan bilateral partnership, while strengthening the bonds between Yokota and the local communities. Yokota was able to host the event with the support of Japan Self-Defense Force, sister services and the local community.

The Havoc family and the S6 team had the opportunity to witness Spc. Braddock's promotion ceremony to Corporal on December 1, 2022. Braddock has been a member of the Havoc family, and during that time, he has demonstrated true leadership qualities as well as a great desire to guide and instruct our soldiers.(Photo by Sgt. Alex Estrada/1st Signal Brigade Public Affairs Office)

Families, friends and colleagues welcomed home 50 Soldiers with the 1057th Military Police Company (Team One) from their nearly 10-month overseas deployment to the Middle East during a brief ceremony at the Weborg 21 Centre in Gering, Nebraska, Aug. 22, 2022. The Soldiers were met with signs, smiles and hugs as they got off the bus before attending the ceremony. Team One of the 1057th Military Police Company was deployed to Kuwait and was recently replaced by the other half of the unit.

A Soldier assigned to the 1st Battalion, 3rd Aviation Regiment "Viper Battalion," 12th Combat Aviation Brigade embraces his family at Katterbach Kaserne, Germany, May 13, 2022. The Soldiers initially deployed to the Baltic region for a training exercise and remained forward to support Operation Assure, Deter, and Reinforce. 12 CAB is among other units assigned to V Corps, America's Forward Deployed Corps in Europe. They work alongside NATO Allies and regional security partners to provide combat-ready forces, execute joint and multinational training exercises, and retain command and control for all rotational and assigned units in the European Theater.

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Christian Ortiz Morales, with the 776th Expeditionary Air Base Squadron (EABS), helps a child put on a new pair of shoes at Chabelley Village, Djibouti, June 9, 2022. While visiting the village, Airmen with the 776th EABS and Soldiers with Task Force Red Dragon built a swing set for the village school, assessed the schools electricity, and gave out clothes, toys, and sweets to children.

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Nicholas Mitchell, a fire fighter assigned to the 119th Civil Engineer Squadron, North Dakota Air National Guard, squats down to catch his son as he runs into his arms upon his return home from a six-month deployment to southwest Asia at Hector International Airport, Fargo, N.D., Jan. 23, 2018.

A U.S. Army Soldier assigned to the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, reunites with his family during a redeployment ceremony at Fort Stewart, Georgia, Aug. 18, 2022. The Raider Brigade is constantly deployment-ready to protect the core principles found in the United States Constitution against all enemies who may jeopardize those values, both foreign and domestic.

active duty air force airman breastfeeds her baby while in uniform

021022-F-2454T-011. Base: Ramstein Air Base State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

U.S. Soldiers with Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, 28th Infantry Division, and their families are honored during a deployment ceremony at Zembo Shrine Auditorium. These Soldiers are deploying to the Middle East for a year in support of Operation Spartan Shield.

A Departure ceremony was held for Charlie Company, Detachment 4, 2nd Battalion, 641st Aviation Regiment for six Soldiers deploying to the Horn of Africa Jan. 2, 2018.

Lance Cpl. JuanCarlos Aglugub, a Light Armored Vehicle crewman at 4th Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion in Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force Marine Week shows a young Cardinal fan what it's like to be inside a Light Armored Vehicle outside Busch Stadium in St. Louis June 21, 2011. Marines from all across the Corps came to St. Louis for Marine Week to show the city who they are and what they do.

Soldiers assigned to the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, attend an information fair held by the 2nd ABCT, Oct. 13, 2022, on Fort Riley, Kansas. The 2nd ABCT held the information fair to provide Soldiers and Families with resources to use before and during deployment.

A group of U.S. Army Paratroopers, assigned to the Warrior Training Center, help one another rig up into their T-11 parachute during Exrcise Falcon Leap on Eindhoven Air Base, Eindhoven, Netherlands., Sep. 13, 2022. More than 1000 Paratroopers from all over the world, 13 different nationalities, multiple airdrops per day, and training with each other equipment for two weeks. this is NATO's largest technical airborne exercise

Nebraska National Guard Soldiers of the Omaha-based 402nd Military Police Battalion return home Feb. 27 following a 10-month deployment in support of U.S. Southern Command's Task Force Guantanamo. While deployed the Soldiers provided headquarters-level support to American service members stationed at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. (Nebraska National Guard

A U.S Marine with 3rd Battalion, 2d Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, walks alongside his family after returning home on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Aug. 15, 2022. Marines with 3/2 return home from a unit deployment program in Japan.

Family and friends greet redeploying members assigned to the 355th Wing and 563rd Rescue Group on the flight line at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, Oct. 8, 2022. The members returned home to their families after a deployment overseas.

030429-F-8156G-004. Base: RAF Mildenhall Country: Great Britain / England (GBR) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

Chief Warrant Officer Five (CW5) Patrick J. Muenks takes off on his last flight in a UH-60 Blackhawk at the Army Aviation Support Facility, Jefferson City, Mo., Sept. 23, 2022. Muenks retired after 41-years of dedicated service to the Missouri Army National Guard. (Photo by U.S. Army National Guard Spc. Rose Di Trolio.)

U.S Army 1st Sgt. James Grider, assigned to the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, helps a child try on a helmet at a military picnic and static display at Kalisz, Poland, June 19, 2022. Soldiers of 3-4 ABCT attended a military picnic and static display to form ties with the local community and create bonds with the people of Poland.

The daughter of U.S. Army Capt. Daniel Borkert, outgoing commander of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 79th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, receives flowers on behalf of her mother at the change of command ceremony for Capt. Levi Rowley, incoming commander of HHC, 79th IBCT, at Kearny Mesa Armory, Calif., on June 4, 2022. Borkert had served the brigade in various roles for eight years.

040407-M-7837W-010. Base: Naval Air Station, Belle Chasse State: Louisiana (LA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

The U.S. Army Support Activity Celebrated a Change of Command on 21 July 2022. The outgoing Commander COL Jon A. Brierton had passed the colors to incoming Commander COL Mitchell J. Wiesniewski. The Ceremony had taken place at Fort Dix on Sharp Field with family, friends, service members and civilians in attendance. During the Ceremony Remarks were made by Commanding General of the 99th Readiness Division Major General Rodney L. Faulk. Also in attendance and remarks were read by the Director of IMCOM-Readiness Ms. Brenda Lee McCullough, she has held the position as Director of IMCOM-Readiness since 27 November 2016. Farewell remarks were made by Outgoing Commander COL Jon. A. Brierton with his thankful words to the Fort Dix Military and Civilian workforce as he showed much appreciation during his time as Commander. The Incoming Commander COL Mitchell J. Wiesniewski followed by addressing the attendees during his remarks on a very hot morning stating he was ready for the position and i

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Taylor Warden, an expeditionary airfield maintance crew member with Marine Wing Support Squadron 172, sets up a temporary airfield during an airfield damage repair (ADR) field exercise (FEX) at Kadena Air Force Base, Okinawa, Japan, Feb. 6, 2024. Service members with III Marine Expeditionary Force, Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 4, and 18th Civil Engineer Group participated in the FEX to refine ADR tactics, techniques and procedures by integrating with joint partners. Marine Corps

Nearly 50 Utah Guard members from Detachment 2, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), returned from an 11-month deployment to Iraq at the Wright Air Base Friday, Nov. 18, 2016

2nd Lt. Kory Forsell, an armor officer assigned to 1st Battalion, 64th Armor Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, poses with his family during one of several welcome home ceremonies at Fort Stewart, Georgia, Aug. 16, 2022. The 1st ABCT Soldiers deployed to Germany in support of NATO allies to deter Russian aggression while also supporting a range of other requirements in the area.

Chief Warrant Officer 4 Andres Giraldo, a targeting officer assigned to the XVIII Airborne Corps, embraces his daughter, newly promoted 1st Lt. Chesnee Giraldo, a quartermaster officer assigned to the 55th Quartermaster Field Feeding Company, 16th Special Troops Battalion, 16th Sustainment Brigade, after her promotion ceremony Sept. 9, 2022, in Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany. Andres is deployed in Europe, near where Chesnee is stationed, making it possible for him to attend her promotion ceremony.

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Marissa Acosta, 776th Expeditionary Air Base Squadron (EABS) command executive, helps a girl put on a new dress at Chabelley Village, Djibouti, June 9, 2022. While visiting the village, Airmen with the 776th EABS and Soldiers with Task Force Red Dragon built a swing set for the village school, assessed the schools electricity, and gave out clothes, toys, and sweets to children.

030429-F-0007M-001. Base: Mcguire Air Force Base State: New Jersey (NJ) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: Air Mobilty Command

Chief Master Sgt. Robert Bailey, senior enlisted leader of the 157th Air Intelligence Squadron, gives his wife flowers during his promotion ceremony, April 2, 2022, at Jefferson Barracks Air National Guard Base, St. Louis, Missouri. Bailey thanked his family for their support through the years.

U.S. Air Force Airmen with the 177th Fighter Wing, New Jersey Air National Guard, are reunited with their families at the Atlantic City Air National Guard Base, N.J., Aug. 3, 2021. During the more than four-month deployment, the Airmen supported U.S. Central Command operations in the Middle East. (New Jersey National Guard

Distinguished guests receive flowers during the 1st battalion, 6th Field Artillery Regiments (1-6 FAR) Activation Ceremony of Charlie Battery Tower Barracks, Grafenwoehr, Germany, Jan. 10 2024. C BTRY, 1-6 FAR was the first American unit to fire a round on the European Continent, in October 1917 during World War One.

Mosaa Tohid” takes candy from Army 2nd Lt. Jason Campbell, a team leader in the 413th Civil Affairs detachment, after a medical examination at an orphanage in Ghanzi city, eastern Afghanistan. (

MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, Hawaii (August 1, 2022) U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Kirby W. Mills, operations planner, G3, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific, and his son watch as aircraft fly overhead during Distinguished Visitor Day as part of Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022, August 1. Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, three submarines, more than 170 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 29 to Aug. 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The world's largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. RIMPAC 2022 is the 28th exercise in the series that began in 1971.

Air show spectators enjoy the static displays at the 2022 Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Air Show at MCAS Miramar, San Diego, California, Sept. 24, 2022. The theme for the 2022 MCAS Miramar Air Show, Marines Fight, Evolve and Win, reflects the Marine Corps ongoing efforts to modernize the force for future conflicts.

040904-M-2697B-022. Base: Mcas, Beaufort State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Friends and family say goodbye to Soldiers with the 186th Military Police Company, 734th Regional Support Group, Iowa Army National Guard, during a send-off ceremony at Camp Dodge in Johnston, Iowa, Jan. 7, 2024. Approximately 20 Soldiers from the 186th Military Police Company are deploying to Kosovo to provide law and order support to U.S. and NATO forces during the ongoing international peacekeeping operation and promoting local and regional stability

A U.S. Marine with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 314, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing embraces her fellow Marines upon return from deployment aboardthe USS Abraham Lincoln at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Aug. 11, 2022. The historic deployment marked the first U.S. Marine Corps F-35C squadron deployed aboard a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier, further assuring 3rd MAW’s commitment to providing fixed wing fighter aircraft for deployment as part of U.S. Navy carrier air wings, deploying regularly across the Indo-Pacific region.

U.S. Army Soldier, assigned to 2-82 Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, interacts with Polish civilians during a local Harvest Festival. Maintaining a good relationship with the Polish civilians helps to strengthen the trust and partnership between the U.S. and Poland.

Service members and their families enjoy free food, music, and more during the Military Appreciation event Sept. 15, 2022, at Patriot Park at South Post at Fort McCoy, Wis. Dozens of people participated in the event that was organized by the Sparta (Wis.) Chamber of Commerce. Many other organizations also supported the event, including the Fort McCoy Exchange, USO Wisconsin, and more. Fort McCoy Garrison command team members also were on hand to support the event.

040827-F-3208M-307. 040827-F-3208M-307 (Aug. 27, 2004)US Air Force (USAF) Airman 1st Class Mark Barrow, 355th Wing (WG), 355th Component Maintenance Squadron holds his son Donovan, while his wife Lindsey helps soothe the baby at the 1st Annual Welcome Home picnic in honor of those deployed in the last year. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Lanie McNeal (RELEASED)

051007-A-9718B-001. Base: New Orleans State: Louisiana (LA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Airmen salute during the National Anthem during the 919th SOW 50th Anniversary Wing Day event at Duke Field, Florida, April 2, 2022. Community partners, 919th SOW retirees joined Airmen and their families came out for a day full of activities aimed at recognizing the contributions of America's only Citizen Air Commandos.

050224-A-8359B-563. Base: Fort Buchanan, San Juan State: Puerto Rico (PR) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: SOUTHEAST

U.S. Marines of Marine Air Support Squadron (MASS) 2 present gifts to Sgt. Maj. Emanuel Hudsons family during a relief and appointment ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, July 28, 2022. The ceremony symbolized the passing of trust and confidence from the outgoing sergeant major of MASS-2, 1st Sgt. Jessica Davila, to the incoming sergeant major, Sgt. Maj. Emanuel Hudson.

A Soldier assigned to Alpha Company, 548th Division Sustainment Support Battalion, 10th Mountain Division Sustainment Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, reunites with his family inside Magrath Gym, Aug. 5, 2022, during a redeployment ceremony on Fort Drum, New York. Soldiers returned to Fort Drum after a yearlong deployment to Kuwait to provide logistics support.

050728-A-5930C-003. Base: Mosul Country: Iraq (IRQ)

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Charles Broun, Commanding Officer of RS Chicago, presents Staff Sgt. Joshua Chacon, a recruiter with Recruiting Station Chicago, with the Centurion Award June 4, 2022. The title "Centurion" is only awarded to Marines who write 100 or more contracts during their 36 months on recruiting duty.

Col. Kevin Goke, PMH-NP, chief, Bayne-Jones Army Community Hospital Behavioral Health Department plants pinwheels with Magnus (4), son of Sgt. 1st Class Peter Middleton, observer controller with Operations Group, Joint Readiness Training Center and Fort Polk. BJACH hosted a pinwheel planting and fellowship April 4 at JRTC and Fort Polk, Louisiana. During the event, three dozen purple pinwheels were planted in the ground near in honor of Child Abuse Prevention Month and the Month of the Military Child.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Kevin 'Sajac' Donovan, a pilot with the 131st Fighter Squadron, helps a member of the Southwick Massachusetts Boy Scout Troop 338 and accompanying family members try on flight equipment during a tour of the 104th Fighter Wing April 22, 2022, at Barnes Air National Guard Base, Massachusetts. Tours provide an opportunity to strengthen relationships while highlighting the unique mission and skillset of the 104FW to the surrounding community and community partners.

Family and friends greet redeploying members assigned to the 355th Wing and 563rd Rescue Group on the flight line at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, June 7, 2022. The members returned home to their families after a deployment overseas.

Soldiers assigned with the 3rd Expeditionary Sustainment Command reunite with their families following a redeployment ceremony at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, May 10, 2022. The 3rd ESC led the logistics and medical operations during the evacuation of over 122,000 Afghan nationals and the joint draw down of 7,000 troops during OPERATIONS ALLIES REFUGE (OAR). While deployed, the 3rd ESC acted as the 1st Theater Sustainment Command Operational Command Post where they provided mission command of over 12,000 Sustainment Service Members, DA Civilians, and contractors deployed to Kuwait, Qatar, Syria, Jordan, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Sinai Peninsula, supporting more than 60,000 military and civilian personnel.

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to Alpha Co., 2-10 Assault Helicopter Battalion return home to their families on Fort Drum, Ny Sep. 7, 2022. VooDoo Soldiers spent almost a year in Iraq defending the nation.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Krystal Hunt, a recruiter with Recruiting Substation Pearl City, poses for a photo with a child during the 2022 Kaneohe Bay Air Show, Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Aug. 14, 2022. The air show was hosted in order for the local community, service members and residents of MCBH to interact during a world-class event. The Kaneohe Bay Air Show, which contained aerial performances, static displays, demonstrations and vendors, was designed to express MCBHs appreciation to the residents of Hawaii and their continued support of the installation.

A Soldier assigned to 3rd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, reunites with his family during one of several welcome home ceremonies at Fort Stewart, Georgia, Aug. 28, 2022. The 1st ABCT Soldiers deployed to Germany in support of NATO allies to deter Russian aggression while also supporting a range of other requirements in the area.

GREYWOLF Trooper, Chaplain (Cpt.) Changsop Kum, assigned to 215th Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, talks with Polish students from Drawsko Pomorskie Preschool, Oct. 28, 2022. Events like these continue to strengthen the bonds between the Polish community and the U.S. Army.

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