Alaska Army National Guard returns from Iraq

ALASKA NEWSPAPERS STAFF

May 02, 2008 at 10:12AM AKST

Families welcomed home soldiers of the 297th Support Battalion at the Alaska National Guard Armory on Fort Richardson upon their return from Iraq on April 24.

Nearly 180 soldiers with the Alaska Army National Guard returned home after a successful six-month deployment to Iraq.

The returning Guard members are from Bravo Company, 297th Support Battalion and hail primarily from Southcentral Alaska, although most regions of the state are represented by unit members. The soldiers have been serving as security forces based out of Camp Anaconda, Iraq, since October 2007.

"We are excited to welcome home another successful Alaska Army National Guard unit," said Maj. Gen. Craig E. Campbell, adjutant general of the Alaska National Guard. "These soldiers had the difficult and dangerous mission of providing convoy and route security, in addition to their other security forces duties; we are proud that they are returning home safe and victorious."

The soldiers of the 297th Support Battalion were mobilized for active duty at the end of August 2007. They spent two months training at Fort Richardson in preparation for the deployment to Iraq.

"We executed our security mission effectively and efficiently while we were deployed to Iraq despite attempts by the enemy to counter our productiveness," said Capt. Joshua Shrader, commander of Bravo Company, 297th Support Battalion. "We encountered numerous IEDs (improvised explosive devices) and enemy fire while on missions, but our training, skill level and the caliber of our soldiers were no match for the enemy. We are returning to Alaska with success and the knowledge that we helped keep U.S. and Coalition Forces safe while were there."

The unit was recognized for exceptional service while deployed. So far, unit members have received four Bronze Stars for Valor, 21 Bronze Stars for Service, two Army Commendation Medals for Valor, 62 Army Commendation Medals for Service, six Purple Hearts, 79 Army Achievement Medals for Service, 31 Combat Action Badges and four Combat Infantry Badges.