Emotional Soldier Homecomings

Heartwarming moments of soldiers reuniting with family members after deployments, capturing the joy and relief of homecoming.

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.

HANSCOM, AFB, Mass - Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 182nd Infantry Division, return home from deployment after nine months of service throughout the middle east. Leaders from the Massachusetts National Guard Joint Forces Headquarters and 51st Troop Command leadership greeted soldiers on the flight line of Hanscom Air Force Base. The Soldiers were then before then transported to Camp Curtis Guild where they were reunited with family and friends. Since its inception in 1636, the Massachusetts National Guard has participated in each of our nations conflicts, steadfastly serving the country and the citizens of the Commonwealth. More than 20,000 Massachusetts National Guard Soldiers and Airmen have deployed since September 11, 2001

Rosalyn Cisneros gives her father, Spc. Jose Cisneros, a long awaited hug inside of Freedom Hall, as he returns from a nine month deployment to Kuwait with the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division. More than 300 Sledgehammer soldiers returned to Fort Benning, Ga., in the early hours of Feb. 14, just in time to celebrate Valentine's Day with their loved ones.

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 the Airmen 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.

An Airman from the 61st Airlift Squadron reunites with his son at Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas, after returning from a deployment, April 4, 2022. Airmen from the 19th Airlift Wing deployed to Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait, which is known as U.S. Central Commands Theater Gateway, and is capable of responding to contingencies throughout the area of responsibility through tactical airlift operations.

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.

030913-M-7837W-006. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Naval Air Station, Fort Worth State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Lance Cpl. Ernest Carrillo, Marine Attack Squadron 214 ordnance technician, holds his son, Ernest Noel, for the first time in seven months after returning to the Marine Corps Air Station in Yuma, Ariz., Nov. 22, 2009, from a deployment to Afghanistan. Approximately 200 Marines from VMA-214 and Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 13 arrived after spending half a year providing air support, armed reconnaissance and air defense for Marine Expeditionary Brigade-Afghanistan.

Soldiers are reunited with family members at the National Guard armory on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson Dec. 11, 2019, upon their return from a nine-month deployment to Kuwait. Approximately 80 Alaska Army National Guard Soldiers assigned to the 297th Military Police Company were assigned to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility in support of Operation Spartan Shield. The 297th MP Co.s law enforcement duties included presence patrols, traffic enforcement, and assistance with investigations at Camp Arifjan and Camp Buehring.

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.

HANSCOM, AFB, Mass - Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 182nd Infantry Division, return home from deployment after nine months of service throughout the middle east. Leaders from the Massachusetts National Guard Joint Forces Headquarters and 51st Troop Command leadership greeted soldiers on the flight line of Hanscom Air Force Base. The Soldiers were then before then transported to Camp Curtis Guild where they were reunited with family and friends. Since its inception in 1636, the Massachusetts National Guard has participated in each of our nations conflicts, steadfastly serving the country and the citizens of the Commonwealth. More than 20,000 Massachusetts National Guard Soldiers and Airmen have deployed since September 11, 2001

More than 600 personnel from the Idaho National Guards largest unit deployed August 9 and 10 in support of Operation Spartan Shield in Southwest Asia. The 116th Cavalry Brigade Combat Teams Task Force Rattler trained for more than two years in anticipation of this mobilization. Idaho Soldiers will comprise nearly 65 percent of the task force during this rotation, and will include other Soldiers from Montana, Ohio, Oregon and South Carolina. OSS is a joint mission under the United States Central Command and is part of Operation Enduring Freedom. OSS is an ongoing operation and supported primarily by Army National Guard combat units from across the country. The deployment is anticipated to last approximately 12 months and is the second rotation the 116th CBCT is supporting. The first task force deployed in November 2021 and will return in October. The Soldiers mobilizing Wednesday will receive 45 days of additional training stateside before deploying overseas.

A Soldier with Bravo Battery, 1-147th FieldArtillery Battalion and 147th Forward Support Company, South DakotaArmy National Guard, embraces his family during the units welcomehome ceremony at Lincoln High School in Sioux Falls, S.D., Oct. 26, 2019.The unit served 10 months in Europe providing rocket artillery and logisticssupport to Operation Atlantic Resolve, which builds readiness, increasesinteroperability and enhances allied nation partnerships between militariesusing multinational training events.

Oregon National Guard Soldiers assigned to Alpha Troop, 1st Squadron, 82nd Cavalry Regiment say their final goodbyes to family and friends at the conclusion of their formal mobilization ceremony held at West Albany High School football stadium, Albany, Ore., April 25, 2021. Approximately 130 Oregon National Guard Soldiers are deploying to Poland to support the European Deterrence Initiative as part of Operation Atlantic Resolve. (National Guard

U.S. Air Force Maj. Jethro Sadorra, left, 422nd Civil Engineer Squadron commander, greets 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. Marine Corps 1st Sgt. Beth Abbott, company first sergeant, Weapons Company, 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, embraces her daughter during a deployment homecoming aboard Camp Lejeune, Oct. 9, 2022. Marines and Sailors assigned to the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit returned home after completing a seven-month deployment with the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group in the U.S. Naval Sixth Fleet area of operations.

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.

Some U.S. Army National Guard Soldiers with the 4-118th Infantry Battalion, 30th Armored Brigade Combat Team (ABCT), attached to the 218th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, South Carolina National Guard, return home Oct. 8, 2020, with South Carolina National Guard leaders greeting them in Columbia, South Carolina, after a deployment in support of Operation Inherent Resolve and Operation Spartan Shield. The 4-118th Infantry Battalion deployed to the Middle East after departing South Carolina in August 2019. The return of the Soldiers from the Middle East is conducted in stages due to mission requirements.

U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Matthew T. Good, Deputy Commander, Fleet Marine Force, Atlantic, Marine Forces Command, Marine Forces Northern Command, invites family to update his collar insignia to his newly promoted rank aboard Naval Support Activity Hampton Roads, Virginia, January 3, 2024. During the promotion ceremony, U.S. Navy Vice Adm. James Kilby, Deputy Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, promoted Good to the rank of brigadier general from colonel, with colleagues, friends, and family in attendance. To commemorate this significant milestone, his family affixed the brigadier general uniform insignia - a single silver star - to the collars of his Marine Corps Combat Utility Uniform (MCCUU).

Senior Master Sgt. Thad Burton, 5th Munitions Squadron armament flight chief, is welcomed back from a Bomber Task Force (BTF) mission by his family at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, March 29, 2023. U.S. Strategic Command BTF missions provide opportunities to train and work with allies and partners in joint and coalition operations and exercises.

Members of the 124th Security Forces Squadron greet their families at the Boise Airport, Boise, Idaho, Nov. 3, 2018. The 124th SFS spent more than six months on a deployment in support of ongoing operations in Southwest Asia.

Sgt. Michael Pope (left), with the Battery C, 1st Battalion, 174th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, hugs his son, Colton, after his units call to duty ceremony Sept. 26, 2018, in Marysville, Ohio. The unit is deploying to Europe as part of the European Deterrence Initiative to protect U.S. and allied installations against unmanned aerial vehicles and aircraft. (Ohio National Guard

250 New York National Guard Soldiers assigned to the Harlem Hellfighters 369th Sustainment Brigade said goodbye to their families for a year during a farewell ceremony 9 a.m. Sept. 18, 2022, at Camp Smith Training Site, Cortlandt Manor NY. The Soldiers of the 369th Sustainment Brigade will be deploying to Kuwait for a sustainment operations mission.

Louisiana Army National Guardmen Pvt. Jeffery Guzman, of the 1st Battalion, 141st Field Artillery Regiment 256th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, entertains his daughter Payton as he bids farewell to family and friends at deployment ceremonies Jan. 6 at the Jackson Barracks, New Orleans, La., as they prepare to deploy to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Maj. Gen. Michael T. Harrison, the commanding for U.S. Army Japan I-Corps (Forward), high-fives a toddler, displaced by the Great East Earthquake in Matsushima, Japan, April 15. Harrison visited schools, train stations, shower points and shelters for displaced citizens to reaffirm the U.S. military's commitment to the helping the Japanese people.

U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Joey D. Blacksher wifes, Kendle Balcksher is honored with a bouquet of flowers during a retirement ceremony for Command Sgt. Maj. Joey D. Blacksher on Stringer Drop Zone, Dahlonega, Ga., February 2, 2024. Command Sgt. Maj. Blacksher served 22 years of dedicated serve to the U.S. Army and the United States of America. Army Reserve

An Airman from the 19th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron reunites with his daughters at Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas, after returning from a deployment, April 6, 2022. Airmen from the 19th Airlift Wing deployed to Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait, which is known as U.S. Central Commands Theater Gateway, and is capable of responding to contingencies throughout the area of responsibility through tactical airlift operations.

Members of the Wisconsin Air National Guard's 115th Fighter Wing reunited with family, friends, and loved ones during a welcome home ceremony at Truax Field, Dane County Regional Airport on Monday (March 11). More than 200 men and women from the 115th Fighter Wing were deployed for a 60-day Aerospace Expeditionary Force (AEF) rotation in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. (115th Fighter Wing

Soldiers from the 228th Engineer Company, 337th Engineer Battalion, 55th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, are greeted by family and friends after returning home from their deployment at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pa. on July 13, 2022. The Soldiers returned home after their deployment to southwest Asia

U.S. Marine Corps Gysgt. Caleb Holsinger, 3rd Marine Littoral Regiment Staff Non-Commissioned officer in charge, and air show attendees pose with an M240b machine gun during the 2022 Kaneohe Bay Air Show, Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Aug. 14, 2022. The air show provided an opportunity for MCBH to foster positive relationships with the local community, while providing a unique experience to the public. The Kaneohe Bay Air Show, which contained aerial performances, static displays, demonstrations and vendors, was designed to celebrate MCBHs longstanding relationship with the local community.

MILWAUKEE (Aug. 6, 2018) Navy Diver 1st Class Thomas Gerace, assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group (EODGRU) 2, places a KM-37 diving helmet on a volunteer at the Milwaukee Public Museum during Milwaukee Navy Week. The Navy Office of Community Outreach uses the Navy Week program to bring Navy Sailors, equipment and displays to approximately 14 American cities each year for a week-long schedule of outreach engagements designed for Americans to experience firsthand how the U.S. Navy is the Navy the nation needs.

U.S. Marine Corps Master Sgt. Earon Gray, the operations chief for Recruiting Station Phoenix, gets promoted on Sept. 2, 2022, at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, Arizona.

More than 20 members of the Oklahoma Army National Guard's Detachment 1, Charlie Company, 1-169th Aviation Regiment returned to Oklahoma on March 10, 2018, after a 9 month deployment to Kosovo. The Soldiers of the 169 provided MEDEVAC air ambulance support as part of the NATO led Operation Joint Guardian.

U.S. Army Gen. Laura Richardson, U.S. Southern Command commander, greets patients at a Medical Readiness Training Exercise June 30, 2022, in Comayagua, Honduras. Richardson presided over the Joint Task Force-Bravo Change of Command at Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras, and had the opportunity to see a JTF-Bravo MEDRETE first-hand during her visit.

From left Cpl. Alvin Salgarino of El Paso, Texas, Pvt. Raul Rodriguez of Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Spc. Zachary Peterson of El Paso, Texas, lift a mock casualty during Guardian Response 22 at Muscatatuck Urban Training Center, Indiana, May 2, 2022. Guardian Response 22 is a homeland emergency response exercise that provides realistic disaster response training to sharpen the skills and increase the capabilities of Army Reserve Soldiers.

060721-N-0000X-011. Base: USS Trenton (LPD 14)

U.S. Marine Brig. Gen. Jason G. Woodworth, the commanding general for Marine Corps Installations West, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, talks with the families of service members after a Memorial Day ceremony at the Semper Fi Marine Monument in San Clemente, California, May 30, 2022. The city of San Clemente adopted 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, in 1996. The Heritage of San Clemente Foundation donated a plaque with the names of the 13 service members killed during the attack at Abbey Gate in Kabul in August 2021, and presented the plaque during the ceremony.

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.

Spc. Casandra Nardo, a crew chief assigned to Bravo Company, 2-158 Assault Helicopter Battalion, 16th Combat Aviation Brigade, helps a young girl strap in to a seat at Hillsboro, Ore. on May 20, 2022. She was one of four women crew members to represent the U.S. Army at the all-woman Oregon International Airshow.

U.S. Army Lt. Col. James Key, the 1st Infantry Division chaplain, congratulates recipients of the 1st Family Recognition Award during the 1st Family Volunteer Award Recognition Ceremony at Victory Chapel on Fort Riley, Kansas, June 23, 2022. 1ID recognized Family volunteers as part of the Big Red One Year of Family, a campaign that honors the Families commitment to each other and the Army.

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.

The first groups of Virginia National Guard Soldiers assigned to the Fort Belvoir-based 29th Infantry Division return to Virginia July 10, 2017, after serving on federal active duty since November 2016. The Soldiers served in the Middle East in support of Task Force Spartan Shield as the first intermediate division headquarters under U.S. Army Central Command. Senior leaders from state government and the Virginia National Guard greeted Soldiers when they arrived at Dulles Airport, then the Soldiers reunited with family, friends and fellow Soldiers at Fort Belvoir and Sandston. During the deployment, the 29th ID Soldiers provided mission command for joint training exercises and military-to-military engagements with partner nations to promote regional stability and theater security cooperation. A formal transfer of authority is scheduled for July 13, and the remaining 29th ID Soldiers will return after that.

U.S. Army Spc. James DeBisschop, a health care specialist assigned to the 142nd Area Support Medical Company, Connecticut Army National Guard, hugs his father, John DeBisschop, 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.

YOKOSUKA, Japan (Aug, 22, 2022) Aviation Boatswains Mate (Fuel) 3rd Class Gabriel Vega, assigned to Naval Supply Systems Command, Fleet Logistics Center Yokosuka, and his family members celebrate the first day of school at Sullivans Elementary School onboard Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY). Monday, Aug. 22 marked the first day of the 2022-2023 school year for almost all Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) Pacific schools. For more than 75 years, CFAY has provided, maintained, and operated base facilities and services in support of the U.S. 7th Fleet's forward-deployed naval forces, tenant commands, and thousands of military and civilian personnel and their families.

A-10 Thunderbolt II's from the 124th Fighter Wing conduct target practice at the Saylor Creek Range in southern Idaho, Oct. 14, 2022. As a part of Wing Hawg Day, service members, family and friends were invited to attent to witness the A-10's in action.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Zachary Kunkler, 375th Security Forces Squadron military working dog trainer supervisor, talks to an audience at a working dog demonstration on Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, August 2, 2022. The working dog demonstration was part of a National Night Out event hosted on base.

Master Sgt. Deontae Woodlieft from the Force Support Squadron chats with guests at the Smoky Mountain Air Show September 11, 2022.Members of the 134th Air Refueling Wing were on hand to assist the public at the Smoky Mountain Air Show, taking place at McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base on September 10-11th, 2022.

030716-D-5011J-012. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Fort Stewart State: Georgia (GA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Louisiana Army National Guardsman 1st Lt. Ross D. Bethea of the 927th Engineer (Sapper) Company, 769th Engineer Battalion, is hugged and greeted by family members at a homecoming reception at Louisiana Aircraft in Baton Rouge, La., March 5. The 927th just returned from a yearlong deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Chief Master Sgt. Angela Rooneys, 301st Logistics Readiness Squadron senior enlisted leader, family places the retirement pin on Rooneys uniform at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, Texas on June 4, 2022. This retirement pin commemorates Rooneys service in the U.S. Air Force.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Keaton Watts, 71st Rescue Squadron loadmaster, puts a military vest on Erik, a military child, during the Kids Deployment Line event at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, April 30, 2022. The interactive event was catered to all families, especially those who may be affected by unplanned deployments.

U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- Potential cadet candidates arrive at the U.S. Air Force Academy Preparatory School for in-processing in Colorado Springs, Colo., July 8, 2022. The prep school offers a select group of enlisted personnel and civilians a pathway to join the cadre at the Academy.

JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- More than 100 Alaska Air Guard members from the 144th Airlift Squadron, 176th Maintenance Group and support units returned here July 5 and 6, 2016, from a four-month deployment in Kuwait in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. Their focus was to support the C-130H "Hercules" tactical-airlift mission. Due to a proposal at the national level to divest the 176th Wing of its C-130H aircraft, this may be the last deployment for the 144th Airlift Squadron in its current form.

040908-M-9362G-005. Base: Mcagcc, Twentynine Palms State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A new U.S. Marine with Alpha Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, hugs a guest during a liberty call ceremony at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Aug, 25, 2022. These new Marines marched out in front of their families before getting released for on-base liberty. (U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Grace J. Kindred)

250 New York National Guard Soldiers assigned to the Harlem Hellfighters 369th Sustainment Brigade said goodbye to their families for a year during a farewell ceremony 9 a.m. Sept. 18, 2022, at Camp Smith Training Site, Cortlandt Manor NY. The Soldiers of the 369th Sustainment Brigade will be deploying to Kuwait for a sustainment operations mission.

Gov. Tony Evers and senior Wisconsin National Guard leaders joined families and friends at a formal sendoff ceremony for the 829th Engineer Company Oct. 19 in Spooner, Wis. The company -- part of the Wisconsin Army National Guards 724th Engineer Battalion - consists of a heavy equipment platoon in Spooner and two vertical construction platoons located in Ashland, Wis. The 829th Engineer Company will head to Fort Bliss, Texas to complete mobilization training before deploying to the Middle East to support the 113th Engineer Battalion of the Indiana Army National Guard. Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs

U.S. Army Capt. John Barnett, the information operations planner with the Health Engagements Assistance Response Team (HEART) 2022, holds a U.S. Flag patch up to a Guatemalan boys arm in Guatemala City, Aug. 23, 2022. HEART 22 is a Joint Task Force-Bravo-led, U.S. Southern Command medical assistance operation that took place in both Guatemala and Honduras.

SAN DIEGO (Sept. 17, 2012) Sailors and Marines aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Peleliu (LHA 5) say farewell to their friends and families before leaving for deployment. Peleliu is the flagship of the Peleliu Amphibious Ready Group scheduled for a deployment to the western Pacific Ocean.

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Victor Bockman, commanding officer of Recruiting Station Harrisburg, holds a formation during the pre-race festivities at the Pocono Raceway, Long Pond, Pennsylvania, Jul. 24, 2022. The purpose of this formation was for future Marines getting ready for Recruit Training to take the Oath of Enlistment prior to the Nascar race.

Staff Sgt. Joshua Miller, an F-16 mechanic with the 180th Fighter Wing, Ohio Air National Guard, meets his son for the very first time after returning home from a three-month deployment to Andersen Air Force Base, Guam. More than 200 Airmen from the 180FW were assigned to the 112th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron while deployed to the Indo-Asia-Pacific region in support of a Theater Security Package, promoting stability and security throughout the region. U.S. Air National Guard

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 Staff Sgt. Cheylese Dross, a coach for the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command hosted summer camp, provides her assigned flag football team of high school students from Newport News, Virginia, instruction on various maneuvers during their match at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, July 19, 2022. The summer camp is designed to promote and foster camaraderie, team work, fun, and esprit de corps between Fort Eustis and the local Newport News community.

An airman from the Hawaii Air National Guard's 203rd Air Refueling Squadron walks with his son to a hangar at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, June 16, 2016. More than 50 service members, three KC-135 Stratotankers, flight and maintenance crews, and other support personnel were deployed for four months as part of an Air Expeditionary Force rotation.

Operation Junior Expeditionary Team (OpJET), June 17, 2022, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas. OpJET provides children the opportunity to see a mock deployment and gives them an idea what their parent experiences when they report for duty away from home, as well as the process when they return.

Staff Sgt. Samuel McLane 141 LRS stands by while a child climbs down off of a Light Medium Tactical Vehicle in Liberty Lake, Wash. July 15, 2022. The Airmen were out supporting the annual Touch-A-Truck event allowing both children and adults to check out heavy equipment from multiple agencies.

Spc. Lecourtney Evans, of Jackson, greets her daughter Rylei at Thompson Field in Flowood, Miss., Feb. 27, 2019. Evans, was part of a contingent of the Mississippi Army National Guards 155th Armored Brigade Combat Team returning home after serving in Kuwait in support of Operation Spartan Shield for approximately one year. The arrivals, with Soldiers from various brigade subordinate units, are part of a series of flights that will return 155th ABCT Soldiers home through the end of March.

030429-F-4441R-079. Base: March Air Reserve Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marines hand out certificates of completion to children during the Devil Pups event on Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, Nov. 5, 2022. Devil Pups is facilitated by Marine Corps Community Services and gives kids the opportunity to learn about Marine Corps traditions, participate in a mock combat fitness test and a traditional cake cutting ceremony in honor of the Corps 247th birthday

040929-F-4691W-001. Base: Eielson Air Force Base State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Colonel Jeff Smith, 173rd Fighter Wing commander, gives his son a piggy back ride during the Sentry Eagle Open House held July 22, 2017 at Kingsley Field in Klamath Falls, Oregon. Sentry Eagle is a four day large force exercise that brings together different aircraft and units from around the country for dissimilar air combat training. Additionally, the wing opens its gates to the public for a day during their biennial open house.

Ghost Soldiers from 2-3 Infantry Patriots participated in the WashJam this weekend (August 19-20), a collaborative event with Boy Scouts of America and the U.S. Army. Our Soldiers educated the boy scouts and their families on the new Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV), U.S. Army-issued body armor, Tactical Combat Casualty Care, and of course our Strykers.

Chief Hospital Corpsman Joshua Wicker, assigned to the mine countermeasures ship USS Warrior (MCM 10), is pinned with his anchors as he is promoted to chief petty officer during a pinning ceremony at CFAS Oct. 21, 2022. The rank of chief petty officer was created April 1, 1893, and the chief petty officer pinning ceremony is a unique tradition to the U.S. Navy that signifies promotion to a crucial position of leadership and responsibility.

111214-N-AW702-004MAYPORT, Fla. (Dec. 14, 2011) Engineman 2nd Class Stuardo Juarez sees his newborn daughter for the first time during a homecoming celebration for the guided-missile destroyer USS Samuel B. Roberts (FFG 58) at Naval Station Mayport. Samuel B. Roberts successfully completed a six-month deployment supporting operations in the Mediterranean Sea, Red Sea, Horn of Africa and Indian Ocean.

An N.C. Air Guard Technical Sergeant caries his son on his shoulders as he prepares to say goodbye before deploying in support of Operation Freedom's Sentinel, while on the flightlint of the North Carolina Air National Guard Base, Charlotte Douglas International Airport, Feb. 24, 2017. It is the final deployment using the C-130 model aircraft before the unit transitions to using C-17's.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Benjamin Hoffman, executive officer for the 424th Air Base Squadron, receives his new rank from his son Gabriel, during a promotion ceremony on Chièvres Air Base, June 10, 2022.

031127-F-0881Z-013. Base: Baghdad International Airport Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes and senior Wisconsin National Guard leaders joined families and friends at an Oct. 4 sendoff ceremony at Volk Field, Wis., for the 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team headquarters, which is deploying in support of the Joint Multinational Training Group-Ukraine. There, the approximately 165 Wisconsin Army National Guard Soldiers will serve as the headquarters element overseeing a group of multinational Partner and Advise Training Teams or PATTs based at the International Peacekeeping and Security Center in western Ukraine. Wisconsin National Guard

U.S. Marines with 7th Communication Battalion, III Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group receive challenge coins from U.S. Army 10th Support Group senior leaders after an Army Combat Fitness Test on Torii Station, Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 17, 2024. The Marines and Soldiers conducted the joint ACFT in an effort to foster relationships between the two units. The ACFT is composed of six events, including a three repetition maximum deadlift, a standing power throw, timed hand release push-ups, a sprint-drag-carry, a plank and a two-mile run.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Cole Hoopingarner kneels as his children attach a rank patch to his uniform following promotion during a change of command ceremony at the 122nd Fighter Wing, Fort Wayne, Indiana, October 15, 2022.

Adm. Linda Fagan, 27th commandant of the Coast Guard, poses for a photo with the son of Cmdr. Piero Pecora, commanding officer of CGC Tahoma (WMEC 908) after a change of homeport ceremony at Naval Station Newport, Rhode Island, on August 19, 2022. A 270-foot medium endurance cutter, Campbell is responsible for completing search and rescue; port, waterways, and coastal security; drug and migrant interdiction; living marine resources enforcement, and defense operations in an area ranging from New England coast to the Caribbean and eastern Pacific oceans.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Andrew Van Sickle, a fire fighter assigned to the 119th Civil Engineer Squadron, North Dakota Air National Guard, center, walks past three of his fellow Airmen as they receive homecoming hugs upon their return from a six-month deployment to southwest Asia at Hector International Airport, Fargo, N.D., Jan. 23, 2018. The three Airmen are from left to right Senior Airman Nicholas Ellingson, Tech. Sgt. Nicholas Mitchell and Senior Airman Nicholas Verdi.

NORFOLK, Va. (Jan. 14, 2024)- A Sailor assigned to the Bear Aces of Airborne Command and Control Squadron (VAW) 124, reunites with his family after returning to Naval Station Norfolk in Virginia, Jan. 14, following a more than eight-month deployment with the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group. While deployed, the squadron accomplished 1,640 flight hours over 610 sorties.

Lt. Col. Nathan P. Bastar relinquishes command of Headquarters and Service Battalion to Lt. Col. Peter C. Dunning aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., July 8, 2022. Headquarters and Service Battalion is in charge of running the administration and logistics elements of the depot.

U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Jesse Watts, a company gunnery sergeant with Company G, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, hugs a family member during a homecoming ceremony at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California, April 16, 2022. The unit returned to the Combat Center after completing a unit deployment program to Okinawa, Japan with the 3rd Marine Division.

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.

Sgt. Maj. Timothy Babcock, the Inspector-Instructor sergeant major for 1st Battalion 24th Marine Regiment, embraces Ann C. Clark in honor of her late Father, Medal of Honor Recipient Pfc. Robert E. Simanek (retired), at the Great Lakes National Cemetery, Holly, Michigan Aug. 21, 2022. Simanek enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1951 and was deployed to Korea in 1952. At the age of 22 he jumped on a live grenade to save his fellow Marines and lived to tell the story. In October of 1953 Simanek was awarded the medal of honor by President Dwight D Eisenhower.

GROTON, Conn. (December 8, 2022) - A sailor attached to the USS California (SSN 781) is greeted by his children during a homecoming event at Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Conn., Dec. 8. California returned to homeport after a four-month deployment in support of the chief of naval operations maritime strategy. The Virginia-class fast-attack submarine USS California and crew operate under Submarine Squadron (SUBRON) TWELVE and its primary mission is to provide attack submarines that are ready, willing, and able to meet the unique challenges of undersea combat and deployed operations in unforgiving environments across the globe.

U.S. Army Paratroopers assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division return home in Fort Bragg, N.C., June 28, 2022. Elements of the 82nd Airborne Division deployed to Poland to support the United States decision to increase its presence and activities in Europe as part of our Nations strong and unremitting commitment to our NATO Allies.

The 143d Airlift Wing welcomes home more than 100 Airmen from their recent deployment in support of Operation FREEDOM'S SENTINEL, July 4, 2019, Quonset Air National Guard Base, North Kingstown, R.I. The Airmen returning Include personnel from a cross-section of aviation operations, aircraft maintenance, and support specialties.

American soldiers returning home from the war in Iraq at the Tucson Airport 2004, Tucson, Arizona

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Bryant Lopez Cepero, left, 422nd Air Base Squadron base training manager, welcomes Lt. Col. Christopher Hergenreter, right, 422nd ABS incoming commander, 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.

GREAT LAKES, Il. (Mar. 15, 2023) Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Noah Alonso, assigned to Naval Station Great Lakes, is promoted to the rank of second class petty officer under the meritorious advancement program (MAP). Opened in 1911, NSGL is the Navys largest training installation and the home of the Navys only Boot Camp. Located on over 1600 acres overlooking Lake Michigan, the installation includes 1,153 buildings with 39 on the National Register of Historic Places. NSGL supports over 50 tenant commands and elements as well as over 20,000 Sailors, Marines, Soldiers, and DoD civilians who live and work on the installation.

U.S. Navy Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Joshua Franck, from San Diego, gives a hug to a local medical provider at the conclusion of a post operations event at the Chuuk States Hospital in Weno, Chuuk, Federated States of Micronesia, as part of Pacific Partnership 2024-1, Jan. 19, 2024. Pacific Partnership, now in its 19th iteration, is the largest multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific and works to enhance regional interoperability and disaster response capabilities, increase security and stability in the region, and foster new and enduring friendships.

Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans, LA, 9/04/05 -- Evacuees from New Orleans are transported to the aiport, given food and water, and sent to shelters areound the country. Those needing medical attention are seen by FEMA's DMAT medical team.

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

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.

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Isaac Tibayan, the Humanitarian Mine Action (HMA) program manager with U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific, greets a Thai child during a Childrens Day event at Royal Thai Armed Forces Headquarters, Bangkok, Thailand, Jan. 13, 2024. HMA team members were invited to participate in Thailands annual Childrens Day event to commemorate children and raise awareness about child welfare and their rights.

President Barack Obama greets troops during a rally at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Aug. 7, 2013.

A Soldier assigned to the 1st Battalion, 3rd Aviation Regiment "Viper Battalion," 12th Combat Aviation Brigade, embraces his family at the Katterbach Army Airfield, 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.

An U.S. Army Soldier giving a young child candy during the XVIII Airborne Corps Headquarters and Headquarters Battalions annual trunk or treat event on Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Oct. 28, 2022. The trunk or treat is a safe environment where soldiers and their families can gather and socialize.

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