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Family Reunions with Soldiers

Heartwarming scenes of soldiers reuniting with family members after deployments, capturing emotions and the bond between them.

An Oklahoma National Guard Soldier with Task Force Lexington spends time with his loved ones before their departure ceremony in Lexington, Oklahoma, June 12, 2022. Roughly 100 Soldiers assigned to TF Lexington are preparing to deploy to the Middle East in support of Inherent Resolve. TF Lexington is comprised of aviators, flight medics, aircraft maintainers, and fuel technicians from multiple companies under 90th Troop Command.

Soldiers from Alpha Company, 777th Aviation Support Battalion, 90th Troop Command, Oklahoma Army National Guard, reunite with family and friends after spending nearly a year overseas in the Middle East. The welcome home ceremony took place at the Armed Forces Reserve Center Norman, Oklahoma, April 25, 2017.

NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Ark. Spc. Candace Austin holds her Goddaughter, Gracelyn Kirkpatrick, before saying her final farewells and boarding a bus. More than 160 Guardsmen from the 39thInfantry Brigade Combat Team headquarters departed Camp Joseph T. Robinson April 4, 2023, and will make their way to Grafenwoehr, Germany, for a year-long mission training Ukrainian armed forces.

Soldiers assigned to the 2nd Squadron, 101st Cavalry, return to their families at Niagara Falls AIr Reserve Station, Niagara Falls, N.Y., Aug. 2, 2018. Ninety-five soldiers returned after 10 months serving as part of the Joint Multinational Training Group-Ukraine. The New York Army National Guard Soldiers helped oversee training in the field, leaders training and computer simulated exercises.

040823-M-3980Y-002. Base: 29 Palms State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

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.

Pfc. Jordan Slone, a cannon crewmember 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. During their deployment, the 1ABCT trained in Grafenwoehr Training Area and completed Combined Resolve XVII at Joint Multinational Readiness Center with 11 other NATO allies and partners to enhance interoperability and readiness.

An Oklahoma National Guard Soldier with Task Force Lexington spends time with his loved ones before their departure ceremony in Lexington, Oklahoma, June 12, 2022. Roughly 100 Soldiers assigned to TF Lexington are preparing to deploy to the Middle East in support of Inherent Resolve. TF Lexington is comprised of aviators, flight medics, aircraft maintainers, and fuel technicians from multiple companies under 90th Troop Command.

An Airman, who deployed to the 816th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron, hugs his daughter at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, Oct. 3, 2022. After 16 consecutive years of active service, the 816th EAS was inactivated, and will be replaced by the 8th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron.

More than 600 Airmen assigned to the 433rd Training Squadron graduated from Basic Military Training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, Oct. 5-6, 2022. Gen. Mike Minihan, Commander of Air Mobility Command, reviewed the ceremony.

U.S. Airmen with the Indiana Air National Guard return home to waiting family and loved ones July 27, 2018, at the 122nd Fighter Wing, Fort Wayne, Ind. The Blacksnakes deployed approximately 300 Airmen along with their squadron of A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft to Afghanistan for over three months in support of Operation Freedoms Sentinel.

U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 3 Austin Randolph hugs his daughter Elliana before taking off for a deployment in support of Operation Freedom's Sentinel in Afghanistan on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., Jan. 3, 2019. Randolph is a UH-60L Black Hawk helicopter pilot with the New Jersey National Guard's Det. 2, Charlie Company, 1-171st General Support Aviation Battalion (MEDEVAC).

230628-N-EU502-1322 SAN DIEGO (June 28, 2023) - A Sailor assigned to Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Decatur (DDG 73) kisses his wife after the ship arrived pierside at Naval Base San Diego June 28, 2023. Decatur, a part of Nimitz Carrier Strike Group, returned following a seven-month deployment to U.S. 3rd and 7th Fleet areas of operations. While on deployment, Nimitz Strike Group conducted operations in U.S. 7th Fleet including: deterrence and presence operations; multinational exercises; integrated multi-domain training; long-range maritime strike exercises; anti-submarine warfare; information warfare operations; air defense operations; multiple ship navigation; and formation maneuvering and refueling-at-sea operations.

040904-M-2697B-037. Base: Mcas, Beaufort State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Army Paratroopers assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division return home to Fort Bragg, North Carolina, July 6, 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. Upon returning to the Home of the Airborne, Paratroopers greeted each other and reunited with family.

U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Derrick Stein, an aircraft maintenance data specialist assigned to the Aviation Combat Element, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), reunites with his family during a deployment homecoming aboard Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina, Oct. 9, 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.

A new U.S. Marine with Alpha Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, embraces 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)

SFC Kevin Vogt embraces his 6-year-old son Gavin during the unit's deployment return from Kuwait at Atlantic Aviation in Reno, July 6, 2017. The 485th Military Police Company, headquartered in Reno, performed customs operations from October 2016 until June in Kuwait and other Middle East countries. The 485ths return marks the end of a busy series of deployments for the Nevada Army Guard, which had about 460, or 15 percent, of its Soldiers deployed in autumn 2016.

Sgt. Clifford Boggs, assigned to the 1137th Signal Company (Tactical Installation and Networking-Enhanced, or TIN-E), holds his son following a call to duty ceremony at the First Christian Church in Springfield, Ohio, Jan. 12, 2024. Soldiers of the 1137th will provide installation, recovery, repair and maintenance of telecommunications network lines and infrastructure throughout the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.

A U.S. Army Soldier with Bravo Company, 104th Brigade Engineer Battalion, New Jersey Army National Guard, is reunited with his family at the National Guard Armory in Hammonton, N.J., after completing the Capitol Response II mission, May 26, 2021. The New Jersey National Guard has been supporting Federal and District agencies with security, communications, medical evacuation, logistics, and safety support. (New Jersey National Guard

One hundred and twenty Soldiers return home from deployment Feb. 9. The group deployed in May 2023 in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve. The certified Military Police Officers were sent to bases in Germany and Italy to provide law enforcement support for the garrisons of Wiesbaden, Kaiserslautern, Baumholder and Vicenza. While there, the unit covered all law enforcement functions of the Military Police Branch to include traffic enforcement, Access Control Point operations, disturbance calls, responding to traffic accidents, security patrols and community policing. Soldiers spent nine months on rotation supporting over 100,000 Soldiers, Families, and civilians across four unique installations. A homecoming ceremony was held at Fort Johnson's Warrior Gym. Army

Soldiers of Detachment 2, Charlie Company, 5th Battalion, 159th Aviation Regiment, Utah National Guard, deploy for a 12-month deployment to Afghanistan Oct. 17 from the West Jordan Army Aviation Support Facility. The mission of the 17 service members of the 159th will be to provide immediate Medical Evacuation (Medevac) support to coalition forces throughout Afghanistan in support of Operation Freedom Sentinel.

USS Harry S. Truman arrives at their homeport of Naval Station Norfolk after a 10 month deployment, Sept. 12, 2022. Truman Sailors were met by over 8,000 friends and family members waiting pierside.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Daitin Stark, alert crew chief, 113th Wing, D.C. Air National Guard, lowers the visor on a fighter pilots helmet on a child at the Joint Base Andrews Air & Space Expo at Joint Base Andrews Air Base, Maryland, Sept. 17, 2022. The D.C. Air National Guard celebrated the Air Forces 75th anniversary Sept. 17-18, 2022 with youth groups, families, and veterans in attendance.

020513-F-1389C-018. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Barksdale Air Force Base State: Louisiana (LA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

SAN DIEGO (Aug. 23, 2022) Sailors from Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62) reunite with their families after the ship returns from deployment. Fitzgerald, a part of the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group, returned to Naval Base San Diego, following a seven-month deployment to the U.S. 3rd, 5th and 7th Fleets in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.

USS Harry S. Truman arrives at their homeport of Naval Station Norfolk after a 10 month deployment, Sept. 12, 2022. Truman Sailors were met by over 8,000 friends and family members waiting pierside. (US Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Emily Casavant/ released)

Family and friends greet redeploying members assigned to the 355th Wing and the 563rd Rescue Group on the flight line at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, Oct. 17, 2022. The members returned home to their families after a deployment overseas.

A U.S. Air Force Airman assigned to the 6th Air Refueling Wing, meets their family on the flight line at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, April 6, 2023. The Airman had just returned from a deployment in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. The 6th ARW thanks all their service members and their families for the sacrifices they make throughout their military career. The support of military families serves as the backbone for the 6th ARWs ability to deliver hope and project lethality, anytime and anywhere.

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. Air Force Col. Tom Sling Bladen, the previous wing commander of the 104th Fighter Wing, embraces his daughter after completing his fini flight on August 4, 2022, at Barnes Air National Guard Base, Massachusetts. Fini flights or final flights are ceremonial flights performed at the conclusion of ones career or assignment. This flight concluded Bladens 24-year long career and over 2,400 flight hours in the F-15.

NORFOLK (April 1, 2019) Chief Boatswains Mate James Wallen, assigned to the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Mason (DDG 87), embraces his family before the ship departs Naval Station Norfolk for a scheduled deployment as part of the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group (CSG), April 1, 2019. CSG 12 is deploying to support maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th, 6th and 7th Fleet areas of responsibility.

Cpl. Ryan Leinberger holds his son Robbie at the welcome home ceremony for the Ohio National Guards 1st Battalion, 174th Air Defense Artillery Regiment Aug. 10, 2019, at the Landmark Church in Cincinnati. The unit completed a successful deployment to the Washington, D.C. area where the 1-174th played a pivotal role in supporting the National Capitol Region-Integrated Air Defense System mission, providing personnel support to the ongoing homeland defense mission, which included the use of radar, ground-based air defense systems and communications equipment.

030422-A-4487O-053. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Nas, Roosevelt Roads State: Puerto Rico (PR) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Airmen from the 179th Airlift Wing, Mansfield, Ohio, are greeted by their family members as they return to their home station in a C-130H Hercules, Mar. 7, 2019. Deployed aircrews completed over 49,000 bundles dropped, 16,500 passengers safely delivered and 3200 hours flown in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.

110516-N-VK779-090NORFOLK (May 16, 2011) Machinist's Mate Fireman Roberto Valentine holds his daughter for the first time during a homecoming celebration for the amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) at Naval Station Norfolk. Kearsarge returned from a nine-month deployment to the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility. Kearsarge was the command ship of the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group and supported maritime security operations.

SAN DIEGO (Sept. 14, 2012) Hospital Corpsman Ibrahime Annab is greeted on the pier by his wife and children with a long awaited embrace. Annab has been underway for four and a half months on a humanitarian civic assistance mission in Southeast Asia aboard the Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19).

Close to 130 Soldiers with the 65th Field Artillery deploy to Middle East 3-26-2018

030408-M-5607A-013. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Country: Iraq (IRQ)

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Joshua Foster, assigned to the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), reunites with his wife and daughters during a homecoming aboard Camp Lejeune, Oct. 9, 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. Marine Corps photos by Staff Sgt. Marcela Diazdeleon)

YOKOSUKA, JAPAN (Feb. 20, 2023) Lt. Dustin Ruleau, from Marinette,Wisconsin, assigned to USS Shiloh (CG 67), celebrates his promotion with hisfamily in Yokosuka, Japan, Feb. 20. Shiloh is forward deployed to Yokosukato support the security of the U.S. and its Allies in the Indo-Pacific.

060323-A-7969G-011. Base: Azuwiyah State: Salah Ad Din Country: Iraq (IRQ)

Capt. Matthew Zettler, Air Force ROTC instructor, Detachment 128, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, and daughter Aubrey, wait for Capt. Brianna Zettler, 3rd Airlift Squadron C-17 Globemaster III pilot, to deplane at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, Oct. 3, 2022. Members from the 3rd AS, 436th Mission Generation Group and 436th Security Forces Squadron were greeted by family, fellow squadron and Team Dover members after being deployed to Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar.

More than 700 Airmen and Guardians assigned to the 331 Training Squadron graduated April 21, 2022, from Basic Military Training. Lt. Gen. Sam Barrett, the Director of Logistics, Joint Staff at the Pentagon, and Chief Master Sgt. Mike Morgan, 37th Training Wing command chief, reviewed the ceremony.

A U.S. Marine with Battalion Landing Team 2/6, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), embraces his wife after reuniting 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.

Sgt. Boatright surprises his daughter at schoo upon returning home from a 9 month deployment to Germany in support of the European Deterrence Initiative. His Colorado National Guard unit departed in January, 2019.

221004-N-CR843-0346NAVAL AIR STATION JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (Oct. 4, 2022) Aviation Electricians Mate 3rd Class Benjamin Wolfe, assigned to the Fighting Tigers of Patrol Squadron (VP) 8 kisses his infant daughter as VP-8 returns to Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Fla., Oct. 4, 2022. VP-8 is returning from a six month deployment in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations in support of Commander, Task Force 72 and U.S, Indo-Pacific Command objectives throughout the region.

NAVAL BASE VENTURA COUNTY, Calif. (Feb. 18, 2014) Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Donald Carter is greeted by his wife and their daughter after returning home from a deployment with Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 3. NMCB-3 was deployed to the U.S. Pacific Command area of responsibility, performing construction based operations and humanitarian aid missions.

Family and friends welcome home 10 Nebraska Army National Guard Soldiers with Headquarters, Headquarters Troop, 1-134th Cavalry Squadron, Jan. 13, 2024, at Eppley Airfield in Omaha, Nebraska. The Soldiers returned from a 10-month overseas deployment to the U.S. European Command area of responsibility where they were stationed at Grafenwoehr, Germany, as part of the Joint Multinational Training Group - Ukraine, supporting training for Ukrainian Armed Forces counterparts. The Nebraska Soldiers were part of Task Force Bowie - made up of around 160 soldiers in total - which directly trained or supported training for approximately 7,500 Ukrainian troops.

Command Chief Warrant Officer 5 William Erickson introduces his grandchildren. The Utah Army National Guard welcomes its new command chief warrant officer during a change-of-responsibility ceremony, Dec. 5, 2022, in the Draper headquarters auditorium. During the ceremony, Command Chief Warrant Officer 5 Brian Searcy relinquishes the role of command chief of the Utah Army National Guard to Command Chief Warrant Officer 5 William Erickson.

U.S. Marines greet students at Crossroads Elementary School during a back-to-school celebration at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, August 22, 2022. This event welcomed students back to the classrooms, provide extra motivation, and well wishes as they start their first day of school following summer break.

Iraq Reserve Call Up

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.

Soldiers assigned to the 1st Battalion, 3rd Aviation Regiment "Viper Battalion," 12th Combat Aviation Brigade walk off the airfield shortly after some 20 AH-64D Apache Longbow helicopters land 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.

A medical technician assigned to the 374th Medical Group assesses simulated injuries to Charlotte Bentz Fontaine via patient triage at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Oct. 16, 2022. Triage is a concept where patients are assigned a level of urgency related to their injuries in order to make life-threatening conditions a priority.

Lt. j.g. Alexis Sandoval hugs Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Hannah Hinton during his commissioning ceremony at the Thomas Jefferson Memorial in Washington, June 25, 2022. Sandoval was enlisted for 13 years before commissioning.

EVERETT, Wash. (Sept. 26, 2016) - Cryptologist Technician 1st Class Michael L. Raadgepp, from San Diego, aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Sampson (DDG 102), is greeted by his daughter on the pier after arriving at Naval Station Everett. Sampson is the latest of four destroyers undergoing a homeport shift to NSE over the course of the year.

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Charles B. McDaniel, U.S. Air Force Headquarters director of weather, deputy chief of staff for operations, is showered in water after his fini-flight during the arrival of a KC-46A Pegasus on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., Aug. 20, 2022. The KC-46A Pegasus is a wide body, multirole tanker that can refuel all U.S., allied and coalition military aircraft compatible with international aerial refueling procedures.

Military Family Reuniting at Miramar in San Diego

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.

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Anthony Finch, of Cheyenne, holds his son, 2-year-old Kyson Finch, during a deployment ceremony for Anthony Finchs unit, the Wyoming Army National Guards C Company, 5th Battalion, 159th Aviation Regiment, Jan. 11, 2011, at the Wyoming Military Departments Joint Forces Readiness Center, in Cheyenne, Wyo. The unit will deploy to Fort Hood, Texas, for training before heading to Afghanistan.

Sailors assigned to the worlds largest aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) greet family members after returning to Naval Station Norfolk following the ships eight-month maiden deployment, Jan. 17, 2024. The Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group (GRFCSG) completed a scheduled deployment to U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. Sixth Fleet area of operations, demonstrating the commitment and power projection capability of the Navy's globally deployed force.

Former U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Kenneth L. Candelaria, an aviation clerk with Marine Helicopter Transport Squadron 261, attends the 39th Beirut Memorial Observance Ceremony at Lejeune Memorial Gardens in Jacksonville, North Carolina, Oct. 23, 2022. The memorial observance is held annually on Oct. 23 to remember the lives lost due to the terrorist attacks at U.S. Marine Barracks in Beirut, Lebanon and Grenada.

U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Jose Mercado, the 129th Rescue Wing headquarters first sergeant, hugs wife Cheryl after she returned from a flight in one of the wing's HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters during the wings spouse flight, Sept. 11, 2022, at Moffett Air National Guard Base near Mountain View, California. The orientation flights built greater connection between family members and the wing, while simultaneously providing aircrew with training in how to work with non-military passengers.

230628-N-KU796-1124 SAN DIEGO (June 28, 2023) A U.S. Navy Sailor assigned to Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 73 greets his family after the traditional first kiss after returning from deployment aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). Nimitz arrives in San Diego concluding a seven-month deployment to U.S. 3rd and 7th Fleet areas of operations (AO). Nimitzs presence in U.S. 3rd and 7th Fleet AOs reinforced the United States commitment to fly, sail and operate wherever international law allows in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

Gov. Scott Walker, Maj. Gen. Don Dunbar, Wisconsin adjutant general, U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson and senior Wisconsin National Guard leaders joined community members and families at a Sept. 29 sendoff ceremony for more than 140 members of the Wisconsin Air National Guards 128th Air Refueling Wing, who will begin deploying to the Middle East to support Operations Inherent Resolve and Operation Freedoms Sentinel. The ceremony was held on the 128th Air Refueling Wing base at Mitchell International Airport in Milwaukee. Wisconsin National Guard

U.S. Army Master Sgt. Maria Viana, the chief supply noncommissioned officer for the 53rd Troop Command, New York Army National Guard, promotes to the rank of Sgt. Maj. at Camp Smith Training Site January 8, 2017.

221013-DQ787-N-1152NORFOLK (Oct. 13, 2022) - Logistics Specialist 2nd class Jordan Coatney assigned to the amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3), greets his family on Pier 10, Oct. 13, 2022. The USS Kearsarge (LHD 3), assigned to the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group, returns from a seven-month deployment operating in the High North and Baltic Sea. More than 4,000 Sailors and Marines assigned to the Kearsarge ARG supported a wide range of interoperability opportunities and exercises across the U.S. Sixth Fleet area of operations increasing combat readiness and crisis response capabilities while strengthening relationships with both NATO Allies and partners.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Brandon Weiss, a flying crew chief assigned to the 92nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, and his family reunite at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, Sept. 2, 2023, upon his return from deployment. The 92nd AMXS and the 93rd Air Refueling Squadron deployed over 150 personnel for roughly six months to support a variety of missions in the European theater. The 92nd Air Refueling Wing projects extends global reach and deterrence through empowered Airmen who perform aerial refueling, aero-medical evacuations, and passenger and cargo transport.

U.S. Army CW5 Timothy Shrewsbury gets promoted from chief warrant officer 4 to chief warrant officer 5 on Fort Drum, NY Jun 24, 2022. The U.S. Army rank of chief warrant officer 5 is called a "unicorn" rank because it is rarely seen in the Army.

NAVAL BASE VENTURA COUNTY, Calif. (Aug. 26, 2015) Steelworker 2nd Class Brandin Salazar, assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 5, greets his daughter on the flight line at Naval Base Ventura County following his return from deployment. The Seabees are returning following a scheduled six-month deployment to the U.S. Pacific Command area of operations. NMCB-5 conducted maintenance and infrastructure improvements at U.S. military facilities, provided exercise support, and employed construction civic action details in support of theater security and cooperation efforts.

190421-N-TP832-1020 PORT HUENEME, Calif. (April 21, 2019) Engineering Aide 1st Class Matthew Salzman, assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 3, embraces his children during the battalions homecoming at Naval Base Ventura County (NBVC), Point Mugu, following a six-month deployment to the Indo-Pacific region. Seabees are the expeditionary engineering and construction experts of the Naval service. They provide task-tailored, adaptable and combat-ready engineering and construction forces that deploy to support Navy objectives globally.

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Johnny Schneeberger, 125th Maintenance Group componet maintenance senior enlisted leader, retires from the 125th Fighter Wing, Florida Air National Guard, June 12, 2022.

Members of the 130th Airlift Wing return from an overseas deployment Nov. 6, 2017. Family and friends gathered at McLaughlin Air National Guard Base, Charleston, W.Va. to welcome to men and women home from their tour in Southwest Asia.

SAN DIEGO (Feb. 18, 2015) Lt. j.g. Travis Schallenberger, assigned to the Magicians of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 35, Detachment One, greets his daughter during the detachments homecoming celebration at Naval Air Station North Island. Detachment One completed the first four months of a 16-month rotational deployment aboard USS Fort Worth (LCS-3) in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility in support of America's strategic rebalance to the Asia Pacific region.

Military family

Texas Air National Guard Master Sgt. Jarrett Patman, left, Tech. Sgt. Kevin Hannah, middle, and Staff Sgt. Ivan Castañeda, right, take photos with the general public by the C-130J Super Hercules static display at the Feria Internacional del Aire y Espacio (FIDAE) April 9, 2022, in Santiago, Chile. Airmen from the 136th Airlift Wing were available to shepherd tours and answer questions throughout the week of the airshow in an effort to strengthen international partnerships.

111210-N-FU443-987 NORFOLK (Dec. 10, 2011) Boatswain's Mate 2nd Class Anthony Gitar, assigned to the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), hugs his wife, Lori, following the ship's return to Naval Station Norfolk. George H.W. Bush completed its first combat deployment in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and New Dawn.

A Sailor embraces with a family member after a pass-in-review ceremony inside Midway Ceremonial Drill Hall at Recruit Training Command, Jan. 18, 2024. Boot camp is approximately 10 weeks and all enlistees into the U.S. Navy begin their careers at the command. More than 40,000 recruits train annually at the Navy's only boot camp.

120 Soldiers return home from deployment Feb. 9 as they are embraced by loved ones. The group deployed in May 2023 in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve. The certified Military Police Officers were sent to bases in Germany and Italy to provide law enforcement support for the garrisons of Wiesbaden, Kaiserslautern, Baumholder and Vicenza. While there, the unit covered all law enforcement functions of the Military Police Branch to include traffic enforcement, Access Control Point operations, disturbance calls, responding to traffic accidents, security patrols and community policing. Soldiers spent nine months on rotation supporting over 100,000 Soldiers, Families, and civilians across four unique installations. A homecoming ceremony was held at Fort Johnson's Warrior Gym. Army

A chief petty officer assigned to the guided missile cruiser USS THOMAS S. GATES (CG-51) is reunited with his wife and daughters upon his return from a deployment to the Red Sea for Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORMDESERT SHIELD Base: Naval Air Station, Norfolk State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Soldiers with 1st Squadron, 104th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team arrive home after a year-long deployment to Egypt as part of the Multinational Force & Observers and Task Force Sinai.

U.S. Air Force Col. Tom Sling Bladen, the previous wing commander of the 104th Fighter Wing, embraces his wife after completing his fini flight on August 4, 2022, at Barnes Air National Guard Base, Massachusetts. Fini flights or final flights are ceremonial flights performed at the conclusion of ones career or assignment. This flight concluded Bladens 25-year long career and over 2,400 flight hours in the F-15.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Reed Bunyard, assigned to the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), reunites with his mother during a homecoming aboard Camp Lejeune, Oct. 9, 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. Marine Corps photos by Staff Sgt. Marcela Diazdeleon)

A U.S. Soldier assigned to 1st Infantry Regiment, 4th Battalion, presents flowers to the incoming Commander of Opeations Group spouse for a change of command ceromony in Hohenfels, Germany Aug. 11, 2022. The change of command ceremony is a tradition that represents a formal transfer of authority and responsibility from the outgoing commander to the incoming commander.

Indiana National Guard Capt. Marc Blue, Wonder Lake, Ill., 4-19th Agribusiness Development Team, reunites with his family after a yearlong deployment to Afghanistan, Sunday, June 10, 2012, at Indiana Joint Force Headquarters, Indianapolis. The unit was responsible for revolutionizing Afghan farming techniques in Khost province to help better stabilize the area in preparation for U.S. Forces leaving the country. Blue was one of the final 12 troops of the original 58 members of the 4-19th ADT to return home.

A retirement ceremony is held for U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Heidi Bunker, the eleventh Ohio state command chief, on September 10, 2022, at Robert S. Beightler Armory in Columbus, Ohio. Her retirement followed a change of authority ceremony.

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.

220626-N-GF955-1115NAVAL STATION MAYPORT, Fla. (June 26, 2022) Cmdr. Robert Keller, executive officer of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Jason Dunham (DDG 109), reunites with his family as the ship returns to Naval Station Mayport, Florida after a regularly scheduled deployment in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts, June 26. Jason Dunham was deployed as part of the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group.

031002-F-5135H-002. Base: Nellis Air Force Base State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

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.

SAN DIEGO (Jan. 17, 2020) Information Systems Technician 1st Class Cody McNamar, from Waterloo, Iowa, hugs his family on the pier in front of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Kidd (DDG 100), Jan. 17, 2020. Kidd, part of the Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group, is on a scheduled deployment to the Indo-Pacific.

Airshow attendees pose during the Shaw Air and Space Expo at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, April 2, 2022. Visitors had the opportunity to experience aerial performances, static displays and other attractions from numerous bases and air show companies.

U.S. Marine Sgt. Jacob Shepherd, a wireman with the 3rd Marine Regiment Embedded Training Team and a 26-year-old native of Bucyrus, Ohio, holds his 1-year-old son closely after returning to Marine Corps Base Hawaii from a seven-month deployment to Afghanistan, Aug. 21, 2012. Approximately 110 Marines with the advanced parties of Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 362, Combat Logistics Battalion 3 and a 3rd Marines ETT also returned from their seven-month deployments. The "Ugly Angels" of HMH-362 supported 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) during combat operations in Afghanistan's Helmand province. The CLB-3 Marines supported Combat Logistics Battalion 4 from Camp Leatherneck in Helmand province. Marines from the 3rd Marines ETT supported Kilo Company, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, in Helmand province's Garmsir District.

Gold Star Mother and Survivor Outreach Services Coordinator Jean Harris hugs Illinois Air National Guard Senior Master Sgt. David Schreffler of the 183rd Wing as the Gold Star 500 as the riders arrive at the Great Lakes Community Center, part of the Naval Station Great Lakes near North Chicago, Illinois, on Sept. 24. Schreffler rides in honor of Harris' son, Illinois Army National Guard Sgt. Joshua Harris, who was killed in action in Afghanistan on Sept. 18, 2008. Schreffler is also a member of Sgt. Joshua Harris VFW Post 2868 in Brookfield, Illinois, and has participated in the Gold Star 500 for six years, since the inaugural ride. Several Illinois National Guard active and retired service members participate in the more than 500-mile bicycle ride that raises awareness of the approximately 300 Illinois service members who have fallen since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, including 34 members of the Illinois National Guard. This year's Gold Star 500 included 16 Polish riders w

More than 600 Airmen assigned to the 321st Training Squadron graduated from Basic Military Training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, August 3-4, 2022. Lt. Col. Jeremy Stowers, Commander, 321st Training Squadron, reviewed the ceremony.

U.S. Air Force Col. Robert McAllister, 87th Air Base Wing Vice Commander, greets family friends at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurt, N.J., Oct. 5, 2022. McAllister returned to JB MDL from his six month deployment

030716-D-5011J-037. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Fort Stewart State: Georgia (GA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Capt. Jon Gronewold is greeted by family friends, including his wife Emily and daughter Ada, 2, during his welcome home, Jan. 13, 2024, at Eppley Airfield in Omaha, Nebraska. Ten Nebraska Army National Guard Soldiers with Headquarters, Headquarters Troop, 1-134th Cavalry Squadron, returned from a 10-month overseas deployment to the U.S. European Command area of responsibility where they were stationed at Grafenwoehr, Germany, as part of the Joint Multinational Training Group - Ukraine, supporting training for Ukrainian Armed Forces counterparts. The Nebraska Soldiers were part of Task Force Bowie - made up of around 160 soldiers in total - which directly trained or supported training for approximately 7,500 Ukrainian troops.

050728-A-5930C-005. Base: Mosul Country: Iraq (IRQ)

040315-F-0681L-059. Base: Hector Iap/Angb, Fargo State: North Dakota (ND) Country: United States Of America (USA)

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