‘When duty called, you answered,’ brigade commander said at demobilization ceremony
ONTARIO, Ore. (KTVZ) — Soldiers from the Oregon Army National Guard’s Adder Company were welcomed home Saturday after a yearlong deployment to the Middle East in support of Operation Spartan Shield.
A demobilization ceremony took place at the Ontario Army National Guard Armory for the 16 soldiers from Adder Company, 3rd Battalion, 116th Cavalry Regiment, and was attended by an audience of family and community members.
A previously recorded video message was played during the ceremony featuring Brig. Gen. Alan Gronewold, adjutant general of Oregon, and Command Sgt. Maj. Lee Smith, command senior enlisted leader. In addition, welcome-home letters sent by U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley were read by 1st Lt. Steven Sawyer during the ceremony.
Col. Russell Gibson, commander of the 82nd Troop Command Brigade, spoke to the soldiers, praising their service and sacrifice. Lt. Col. Christopher Miller, commander of the 3-116th Cavalry Regiment, officiated the event along with Col. Gibson, personally welcoming home each soldier in a receiving line.