Posted on 07/06/2005 5:26:41 PM PDT by SandRat
OAHU, Hawaii (Army News Service July 6, 2005) - More than 150 Soldiers from the Guam Army National Guard returned to Hawaii after serving a year with Combined Joint Task Force -- Horn of Africa June 28.
Although the Company A, 294th Infantry Regiment (Light) has deployed in the past, this marks the first time the unit has deployed in support of a combat mission.
The task force oversees counterterrorism operations in the Horn of Africa for U.S. Central Command in support of the Global War on Terrorism, as part of Operation Enduring Freedom.
Several family members traveled to meet and greet Soldiers at their demobilization station in Hawaii, before they return to Guam.
“This was the longest week of my life,” said Deborah Humble, whose husband Sgt. Scott J. Humble returned home. Humble is one of nine Indiana Army National Guardsmen with the 38th Military Police Company who linked up with Soldiers from Company A and deployed with the unit to Africa.
Nichol Napolean welcomed her husband Spc. Richard Napolean who returned from a location near Djibouti City in Africa.
“We’re surprising him. He doesn’t know we’re here,” she said.
During the deployment, Soldiers provided force protection for units throughout the task force’s area of responsibility. Providing security to units, performing medical and veterinarian civic programs, and civil affairs and engineering missions, allowed the units to carry out vital missions without fear.
The Soldiers also assisted with personnel rescues and conducted military-to-military training with African soldiers.
Lt. Col. Tommy Aflague, former battalion commander of the returning troops, said the Soldiers were well trained for the mission.
“They were doing the same things prior to even going to Hawaii. We had a lot of experience with other militaries because we have done a variety of exercises like Balikaton, in the Philippines,” Aflague added.
Brig. Gen. Donald J. Goldhorn, the adjutant general for the Guam National Guard, welcomed the Soldiers’ home. Goldhorn is responsible for the 1,100 men and women in the Guam Army and Air National Guard.
Prior to their deployment, Soldiers trained in Guam for three weeks and in Hawaii for seven weeks, and then participated in a mission readiness exercise at the Joint Readiness Training Center at Fort Polk, La.
The Guam Soldiers arrived at Camp Lemonier, near Djibouti City, June 28, 2004, and returned to Hawaii one year later. They replaced Company B, 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, “The Old Guard,” and were replaced by another company from their battalion, Company B, 294th Inf. Regt. (L).
Napolean, family readiness group leader for Company A, said families and friends are planning a huge welcome home ceremony in Guam when the Soldiers finish their demobilization process in Hawaii.
Although the Company A, 294th Infantry Regiment (Light) has deployed in the past, this marks the first time the unit has deployed in support of a combat mission.
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