Military Family Farewells

Emotional moments of military personnel saying goodbye to loved ones, showcasing parents with children and heartfelt embraces before deployment, highlighting the personal sacrifices of service.

U.S. Army 2nd Lt. Bijan Shokrgozar, with 3rd Battalion, 29th Field Artillery, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, adjusts body armor on a local Polish youth during a table display at the Camp Kościuszko Military Picnic at John Paul II Park, Poznań, Poland, July 30, 2022. The military picnic is part of a series of events celebrating the renaming to Camp Kościuszko and the shared history and commitment to collective defense between the United States and Poland.

Oklahoma Army National Guardsmen from Detachment 1, Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 169th Aviation Regiment, 90th Troop Command, bid farewell to their loved ones during a departure ceremony May 14, 2017 at the Muldrow Army Heliport in Lexington, Oklahoma. The 169th is deploying to Kosovo in support of Operation Joint Guardian, where they will provide medical evacuation operations.

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 service member gives dog tags to a child and the parent at the Combat Dining Out at Buckley Space Force Base, Colo., Aug. 19, 2022. The dog tags were a token to remember the event by.

Spc. Kyle Gilmore, a Bradley Fighting Vehicle system maintainer assigned to 3rd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, hugs his wife and son during one of several welcome home ceremonies at Fort Stewart, Georgia, Aug. 28, 2022. The 1st ABCT Soldiers deployed to Germany in support of NATO allies to deter Russian aggression while also supporting a range of other requirements in the area.

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.

U.S. Army 2nd Lt. Bijan Shokrgozar, with 3rd Battalion, 29th Field Artillery, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, adjusts body armor on a local Polish youth during a table display at the Camp Kościuszko Military Picnic at John Paul II Park, Poznań, Poland, July 30, 2022. The military picnic is part of a series of events celebrating the renaming to Camp Kościuszko and the shared history and commitment to collective defense between the United States and Poland.

A Kentucky Air National Guard Airman holds his child before deploying to the Persian Gulf region at the Kentucky Air National Guard Base in Louisville, Ky., Jun. 24, 2020. More than 70 Airmen from the wing will spend four months flying troops and cargo across the U.S. Central Command area of responsibiitly, which includes Iraq, Afghanistan and northern Africa.

Caroline Scott welcomes home husband, Sgt. Jerry Scott, a paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division's 1st Brigade Combat Team, Aug. 20, 2012, at Pope Army Airfields Green Ramp, Fort Bragg, N.C. Sgt. Scotts unit is returning from a six-month deployment to Afghanistan.

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.

A boy reunites with his father during a homecoming ceremony at the Kentucky Air National Guard Base in Louisville, Ky., July 4, 2018. More than 60 Airmen from the 123rd Airlift Wing returned to Louisville on Independence Day, marking the end of a four-month deployment to the Persian Gulf in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.

U.S. Army Spc. Jonattan Fernandez, Charlie Troop, 1st Squadron, 102nd Cavalry, New Jersey Army National Guard, kisses his daughter prior to the Charlie Troop farewell ceremony at the armory in Westfield, N.J., Jan. 21, 2019. Charlie Troop is deploying in support of Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa. (New Jersey National Guard

Ava Johnson (right), daughter, places a patrol cap with the rank of staff sergeant on her father, newly promoted Staff Sgt. Calan Johnson (left), mortuary affairs specialist, 1st Theater Sustainment Command, during his promotion ceremony on Fort Knox, Kentucky, May 5, 2022. Johnson was joined and supported by his two daughters and his wife.

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.

U.S. Army Soldier, assigned to 2-82 Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, interacts with Polish civilians during a local Harvest Festival. Maintaining a good relationship with the Polish civilians helps to strengthen the trust and partnership between the U.S. and Poland.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. A Mullins, a Lynchburg, Ohio native and infantry squad leader with 2d Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, reunites with his family on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Oct. 9, 2022. 2/6 returned to Camp Lejeune 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 photo by Lance Cpl. Deja Thomas)

Air Force Master Sgt. Michael Rigsby assigned to the 137th Special Operations Civil Engineering Squadron, spends time with his daughter prior to deploying from Will Rogers Air National Guard Base, October 19, 2016. Rigsby is one of over 140 Airmen who will deploy from WRANGB in support of Operation Freedom's Sentinel in Southwest Asia, the first major deployment for the 137 SOW as a special operations wing.

Six-year-old Birdie Amerson sprays a fire hose with the help of Sgt. Steve Krueger, 467th Engineer Battalion, Firefighter Headquarters, during an open house at Fort Des Moines, Iowa, Aug. 6, 2022. The event welcomed more than 70 people to the historic U.S Army Reserve base to see the current training units.

Command Sergeant Major Catherine Farrell gives the Command Sergeant Major Coin of Excellence to the daughter of Capt. Amie Kemppainen following a ceremony where Kemppainen took command of Company B, 126th Infantry. By taking this command, Kemppainen has earned the distinction of being the first female infantry commander in the Michigan National Guard and one of the first in the United States Army.

Cpt. John Mcdonald of C Troop, 1st Squadron, 153rd Cavalry Regiment hugs his family upon his return home after a nine-month deployment providing security to the 3-157 Field Artillery Regiment (HIMARS), on the 6th of August, 2022, in Tallahassee, Florida. (U.S. Army Photo Spc. Mathias Gentry)

Sgt. Steve Krueger, 467th Engineer Battalion, helps Israel Swift and his father Harrison Swift, of Ankeny, aim a firehose during an U.S. Army Reserve open house held at Fort Des Moines, Iowa, Aug. 6, 2022. More than 70 attendees toured the historic base grounds to see the different Army Reserve units training there.

U.S. Army Spc. Curtis Brown, of 29th Infantry Division, teaches students how to perform a beat box during their visit to a primary school in Kosovo, Serbia, Oct. 1, 2007.

A Soldier assigned to the 35th Corps Signal Brigade holds his baby has he is greeted by his family at Green Ramp after returning home from deployment to Europe Oct. 28 at Fort Bragg N.C. Elements of the XVIII Airborne Corps completed a nine-month deployment to Germany in support of the NATO Alliance. Americas Contingency Corps rapidly deployed in February 2022 with 300 personnel from the Corps headquarters element to provide a Joint Task Force-capable headquarters in Wiesbaden, Germany. The deployment was directed by the Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin III as a response to a heightened security environment in Eastern Europe and to reinforce NATOs eastern flank.

Chief of the Army Reserve Lt. Gen. Jody Daniels greets fans along the sideline of the field during the NFL Pro Bowl in Orlando, Fla., February 4, 2024. The NFL thanked the first woman to become Chief of the Army Reserve for her 40 years of service and continued support. Army

040407-M-7837W-015. Base: Naval Air Station, Belle Chasse State: Louisiana (LA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Members of the Alaska Air National Guards 176th Wing returned to Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, June 3, after a four-month deployment to Djibouti in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Their primary mission in the Horn of Africa was to provide a personnel-recovery force as part of the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa mission.

040908-M-9362G-006. Base: Mcagcc, Twentynine Palms State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

040515-M-1012W-001. State: Okinawa Country: Japan (JPN)

Members of the Utah National Guard's 65th Field Artillery Brigade return to Roland R. Wright Air National Guard Base January 31, 2019. More than 100 soldiers left in March and spent the past ten months deployed and returned to Utah in two groups.

U.S. Marine Corps 1st. Lt. Josh Rogers, assigned to Battalion Landing Team 2/6, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), holds his daughter after reuniting with his family 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.

030428-F-2977M-018. Base: Warner Robins Air Force Base State: Georgia (GA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ANG

WORCESTER, Mass -During a large ceremony at the DCU Center, here Families, Friends, and leaders gathered on January 23, 2024, to send off the 1st Battalion, 181st Infantry Regiment before their deployment to the Middle East in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. Speakers at the ceremony included Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll, Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts, Maj. Gen. Gary W. Keefe, Adjutant General of the Massachusetts National Guard, and Lt. Col. Alex Hampton, commander of the 1-181st Infantry Battalion. During the ceremony, Hampton and Command Sgt. Maj. Sean P. Fitzgerald, Command Sergeant Major of the 1-181st Infantry Battalion cased the battalion colors while they are deployed under the command of U.S. Central Command, upon returning home, the unit will uncase their colors.

Staff Sgt. Tyler Forsyth from the 241st Engineering Installation Squadron assists guests in the screening tent for the Smoky Mountain Airshow 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.

031219-F-2621S-055. Base: Swanton State: Ohio (OH) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ANG

Senior Wisconsin Army National Guard leaders joined family and friends at the Armed Forces Reserve Center in Madison, Wis., at an Oct. 27 sendoff ceremony for Detachment 1, 176th Cyber Protection Team. The team which also includes Soldiers from Minnesota, Illinois and Virginia will conduct cyberspace operations in support of U.S. Cyber Command and Cyber National Mission Force requirements. After completing mobilization training, the 176th CPT will conduct their mission at Fort Meade, Md. Wisconsin National Guard

Two young festival attendees listen to Maj. Gen. Torrence Saxe, adjutant general of the Alaska National Guard and commissioner of the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, speak during a special recognition event during the Cama-i Dance Festival at the Bethel Regional High School in Bethel, Alaska, March 25, 2023. About 20 members of the Alaska National Guard and Alaska State Defense Force attended the celebration where they were honored by festival organizers.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Lacy Gunnoe, a member of the 117th Air Refueling Wing Inspector General's office and KC-135 Stratotanker pilot, takes his final flight before his official retirement at Sumpter Smith JNGB, Ala., Feb. 2, 2024. Following Gunnoe's fini flight, he was congratulated by his wife, son, family and friends who have supported him throughout his Air Force career. Air National Guard

Sgt. Alec Hoekema, a crew chief assigned to the 4th Battalion, 3rd Aviation Regiment, 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division explains how to properly buckle up in a UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter at the 19th Annual USO Armed Forces Half Marathon & Freedom 5K/10K in Jacksonville, Florida, October 8, 2022. The mission of the USO Armed Forces Half Marathon & Freedom 5K/10K is to strengthen the bond between the civilian and military communities, promote sound physical health and fitness, and support of all five branches of the military and their family members.

A U.S. Marine with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 314, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), embraces his son upon return to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar after a deployment aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, Aug. 11 2022. The historic deployment marked the first U.S. Marine Corps F-35C squadron deployed aboard a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier and further assures 3rd MAWs commitment to providing fixed wing fighter aircraft for deployment as a part of the U.S. Navy carrier air wings, deploying regularly across the Indo-Pacific region.

U.S. Army Sgt. Malcolm Reed, a 15T Black Hawk helicopter mechanic with 3rd Assault Helicopter Battalion, 1st Aviation Regiment, 1st Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, teaches event-goers various aspects of the UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter during the Kansas City Air Show on Sep. 3, 2022, in New Century, Kansas. 1st Infantry Division aviators and crew chiefs attended the event in partnership with the Kansas City Army Recruiting Battalion to educate the public on the Army and Army equipment.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Park Drago” Lundgreen, 79th Fighter Squadron (FS) fighter pilot, embraces his wife on the flight line after returning from a deployment at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., Oct 27, 2022. The 79th FS deployed to project combat air power and help stabilize the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.

Senior Airman Justin Mullens holds his daughter, Elaina, while his wife looks on, prior to deploying in support of Operation Freedom Sentinel on June 25, 2017 prior to departing McLaughlin Air National Guard base for a deployment in support of Operation Freedoms Sentinel on June 25, 2017. Mullens is an aircraft structural maintainer with the 130th Airlift Wing.

Johnson.FORWARD OPERATING BASE FALCON, Iraq ñ Lt. Col. Johnnie Johnson, commander of the 4th Battalion, 64h Armor Regiment, distributes backpacks to Iraqi children Oct. 14 at the Ishtar School in the Risalah community of southern Baghdad. Johnson, a native of Tampa, Fla., is attached to the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division ñ Baghdad, serving a 15-month deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

060317-A-5745M-021. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Camp Liberty State: Baghdad Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: 10TH MTN DIV

110416-F-HS649-183TUANEKIVALE, Tonga (April 16, 2011) Army 1st Lt. Elizabeth Brown passes a Tongan baby to Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Andrew Campanano at the Tuanekivale medical site during Pacific Partnership 2011. Pacific Partnership 2011 is a humanitarian assistance initiative, which promotes cooperation throughout the Pacific.

051106-A-9419D-027. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Grand Ledge State: Michigan (MI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A young boy holds his dad's hand, a U.S. Marine assigned to Battalion Landing Team 2/6, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), 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.

041112-M-0095Z-075. Base: Ash Shafiyah Country: Iraq (IRQ)

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.

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Sindy Long, 86th Maintenance Group Aircraft Maintenance Unit section chief, left, buckles Ela Edwards, right, into a seat inside of an 86th Airlift WIng C-130J Super Hercules aircraft during a tour with local Girl Scouts and their families at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Aug. 17, 2022. Long explained how it protects aircrew members while they carry out the only airlift, airdrop and aeromedical evacuation operations in the U.S. Air Forces in Europe - Air Forces Africa area of responsibility.

U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Albert Delossantos, armory chief, 8th Engineer Support Battalion, Marine Corps Base (MCB) Camp Lejeune, gives students a demonstration of an M249 Squad Automatic Weapon during a career day event in honor of Military Appreciation Day at Johnson Primary School on MCB Camp Lejeune, May 6, 2022. Volunteers from Combat Logistics Battalion 2, 8th Engineer Support Battalion, and the Provost Marshal Office taught the students about different aspects of their respective Marine Corps careers through vehicle tours and weapon demonstrations.

African American soldier tying shoelace for son

030828-F-2185G-003. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: An Nasariyah State: Dhi Qar Country: Iraq (IRQ)

A little Ranger gets her face painted at the 6th Ranger Training Battalions open house event May 7 at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. The event was a chance for the public to learn how Rangers train and operate. The event displays showed equipment, weapons, a reptile zoo, face painting and weapon firing among others. The demonstrations showed off hand-to-hand combat, a parachute jump, snake show, and Rangers in action. (U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.)

Mihajlo Kostic, 5, a member of Kosovo's Serbian minority, talks about a book with LTG H Steven Blum, the chief of the National Guard Bureau, in Viti, Kosovo, on May 10, 2007, while an interpreter watches. The boy was given both the book and the ability to discuss it in fluent English by an Army National Guard sergeant serving with Task Force Falcon, Kosovo Force 8 (KFOR 8), 29th Infantry Division Forward, Multinational Task Force East.

U.S. Soldiers with Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, 28th Infantry Division, and their families are honored during a deployment ceremony at Zembo Shrine Auditorium. These Soldiers are deploying to the Middle East for a year in support of Operation Spartan Shield.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Brandon Mokris, the Command Element logistics officer with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), reunites with his son after returning from deployment aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Oct. 11, 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.

Damage and Rescue - 26-HK-329-2. Hurricane Katrina

active duty air force airman breastfeeds her baby while in uniform

A U.S. Airman who has just returned home from a deployment to the United Arab Emirates,holds his son at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, April 7, 2022. Airmen from the 633d Air BaseWing, 1st Fighter Wing and 192d Wing worked in conjunction to short-notice deploy U.S. AirForce F-22 Raptors from the 27th Fighter Squadron to the U.S. Central Command area ofresponsibility.

Service members and their families enjoy free food, music, and more during the Military Appreciation event Sept. 15, 2022, at Patriot Park at South Post at Fort McCoy, Wis. Dozens of people participated in the event that was organized by the Sparta (Wis.) Chamber of Commerce. Many other organizations also supported the event, including the Fort McCoy Exchange, USO Wisconsin, and more. Fort McCoy Garrison command team members also were on hand to support the event.

Spc. Nicolas Woodhill of C Troop, 1st Squadron, 153rd Cavalry Regiment embraces his family with laughs and smiles upon his return home after a nine-month deployment providing security to the 3-157 Field Artillery Regiment (HIMARS), on the 6th of August, 2022, in Tallahassee, Florida. (U.S. Army Photo Spc. Mathias Gentry)

040123-M-3843C-001. Base: Mcas, Beaufort State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: VMFA 224

060518-A-0527A-014. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Bagran Airfield Country: Afghanistan (AFG) Scene Major Command Shown: NORTHEAST

221021-N-GK686-1157 NAVAL AIR STATION SIGONELLA, Italy (Oct. 21, 2022) Chief Construction Electrician Joshua Davis is pinned by his daughter during a chief pinning ceremony held on Naval Air Station Sigonella Oct. 21, 2022. The purpose of the ceremony is to celebrate the time-honored transition of a petty officer 1st class into a chief petty officer but is undertaken by all E-6 from all branches at the command eligible for advancement to E-7. NAS Sigonellas strategic location enables U.S., allied, and partner nation forces to deploy and respond as required, ensuring security and stability in Europe, Africa and Central Command.

MILITARY RELIEF EFFORTS IN HAITI AFTER DEVASTING EARTHQUAKE

U.S. Army Capt. Keith Koppenhaver, from Alpha Company, 492nd Civil Affairs Battalion, attached to 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, carries a young Iraqi girl suffering from a chest tumor to the Taji Sports Complex for medical attention during a combined medical effort held in Iraq Jan. 1, 2008.

1st Lt. Sarah Melton, a 54th Helicopter Squadron pilot, shows a child the cockpit of a UH-1N Huey helicopter at Glenburn Public School, North Dakota, Sept. 27, 2022. Melton helped to coordinate the landing with the school, acting as a liaison between the community and Minot Air Force Base.

A U.S. Army soldier carries a wounded Iraqi child into the Charlie Medical Center on Camp Ramadi, Iraq, for medical evaluation on March 20, 2007. The child is one of several Iraqis who were attacked by anti-Iraqi forces after they allegedly told coalition forces of insurgent activity in the 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment area of operations.

020105-F-5035E-016. Base: Portland Air National Guard Base State: Oregon (OR) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ANG/ACC

220905-N-VG565-1076Norfolk, Va. (Sept. 5, 2022) - Families welcome home Sailors attached to the Seahawks” of Airborne Command and Control Squadron (VAW) 126 on Naval Station Norfolk during the squadron’s homecoming, September 5. VAW-126, part of Carrier Air Wing 1, embarked on USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), returns to Naval Station Norfolk after a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., allied and partner interests.

U.S. Army Sgt. Shane Pudgett, of the 76th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, hugs his wife goodbye as his son cries during a going away ceremony Jan. 2, 2008, at the RCA Dome in Indianapolis, Ind. The Indiana National Guard is preparing to deploy its largest amount of Soldiers since World War II with more than 3,400 Soldiers scheduled to depart for Iraq to serve during their 12-month rotation.

060127-A-1526R-042. Base: Poptun State: Peten Country: Guatemala (GTM) Scene Major Command Shown: 94TH COMBAT SUPPORT HOSPITAL

020314-F-1083S-001. Base: Arlington National Cemetery State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Army Sgt. Major Dwayne Allen, assigned to the 1st Infantry Division, poses with a local child at Montebourg, France, June 3, 2022. The town held a ceremony marking seventy-eight years since its liberation, commemorating the sacrifices made by U.S. Soldiers, and French citizens who lost their lives.

Sgt. First Class Brett Johnston, 1st Armored Division West takes a picture with Meadows Elementary students during their annual career day. Meadows Elementary Schools location within the Fort Hood community, and educating children of military families, allowed this event to not only display the various civilian careers, but also the diverse range of Army career fields. Meadows was allowed to have speakers for its annual career day in the school for the first time since 2020, when the event was cancelled due to Covid-19. Establishing and maintain a presence in the surrounding community is a priority for Fort Hood leadership.

Soldiers from the First of the 138th Infantry return home to St. Charles, Missouri.

220413-N-DT940-1091NORFOLK, Va. (April 13, 2022) A Sailor assigned to the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Forrest Sherman (DDG 98) poses for a photograph with his family following the ship's return to its homeport, Naval Station Norfolk, April 13. Forrest Sherman deployed to the European theater of operations and participated in a range of maritime activities in support of Naval Forces Europe and NATO Allies.

Brig. Gen. Janeen Birckhead, Marylands dual status commander, hands eggs to a community member April 17, 2020, in Stevensville, Md. Members of the MDNG and Maryland Defense Force partnered with a local church in support of efforts to distribute groceries to the community while schools and workplaces are closed due to COVID-19.Nearly 1,400 MDNG Soldiers and Airmen are activated to support Marylands response to COVID-19 utilizing capabilities such as medical augmentation, transportation support, and more.

Master Sgt. Micheal Conzo and Sgt. 1st Class Adam Hermann assigned to the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), hand out stickers to the children after the visited with an elementary school during the 78th Anniversary of Operation MARKET GARDEN commemorations, Sept.14, 2022.The Soldiers of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) started with a visit talking with the children about why they joined the U.S. Army and proud they were to be standing there because of what their 101st predecessors did with the NATO partners to liberate the Netherlands 78 years ago. After the 101st band played a concert for all the children. In keeping with the theme to remember the 101st history the band play songs to take them through time with the music.

041026-M-1250B-002. State: Babil Country: Iraq (IRQ)

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Matthew T. Ritchie, the incoming commanding officer of 1st Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment (1/11), 1st Marine Division, listens to the closing remarks during a change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, June 24, 2022. During the ceremony, Ritchie relinquished command of 1/11 to Lt. Col. David J. Palka.

U.S. Army 1st Sgt. Rivera with the 44th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, New Jersey Army National Guard, poses with his son during the 44th IBCTs farewell ceremony at the Cure Insurance Arena, Trenton, New Jersey, Jan. 14, 2024. More than 1,500 NJARNG Soldiers will deploy in support of U.S. Central Commands Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve. CJTF-OIR advises, assists, and enables partnered forces until they can independently defeat Islamic State of Iraq and Syria - ISIS - in designated areas of Iraq and Syria, in order to set conditions for long-term security cooperation frameworks. It is the largest deployment of New Jersey Army National Guard Soldiers since 2008.

APRA HARBOR, Guam (April 25, 2013) Lt. Scotty Murphy, assigned to the Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Chicago (SSN 721), greets his family after Chicago returns to Apra Harbor, Guam, after completing its first mission as part of Commander, Submarine Squadron (SUBRON) 15. Chicago was out to sea for seven weeks conducting operations in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility.

NAVAL AIR FACILITY ATSUGI, Japan (Nov. 25, 2015) Cmdr. Rafe Wysham, commanding officer of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 102, is greeted by his two sons during a homecoming ceremony at the Naval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi flight line. VFA 102, along with Carrier Air Wing Five (CVW 5), returned home after a scheduled patrol embarked aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). Ronald Reagan and CVW-5 provide a combat ready force that protects and defends the collective maritime interests of the U.S. and its allies and partners in Indo-Asia-Pacific.

U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer Two Kelse Gilliard, 16th Combat Aviation Brigade, Air Traffic Service and Airspace Management 150A, speaks to a child with the Box4Kids charity during the Singapore Airshow 2024 at the Changi Exhibition Center, Republic of Singapore, Feb. 24, 2024. This organization provides a safe and relaxing environment for children and most importantly the opportunity to be treated like a VIP for the day. Air Force

Iraqi children prepare to start their school day while U.S. Army Soldiers from Delta Company, 2nd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment conduct an early morning clearing operation in Baghdad, Iraq, April 16, 2008.

Staff Sgt. Shaquille Stephens, 341st Missile Maintenance Squadron technician, gives high-fives during a mock maintenance convoy at the Independence Day Parade July 4, 2022, in downtown Great Falls, Mont. Missile maintainers provide around-the-clock service to the Minuteman III weapons system, ensuring constant alert status for nationwide strategic deterrence.

Pilots from the 180th Fighter Wing, Ohio Air National Guard greet their children for the first time in three months April 20, 2016 during a homecoming reception in Swanton, Ohio. 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.

Though more than a foot of snow delayed his return home by a day, the delay worked in favor of Staff Sgt. Jeremy Behnfeldt, who was able to see his daughter for the first time in over six months on her birthday, Feb. 2, 2015. Behnfeldt and 12 other of his Security Forces Squadron teammates deployed to Southwest Asia in July 2014 to conduct an air base defense mission in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Inherent Resolve.

Sergio Matias Chontal-Harter interviews Fort McCoy Garrison Commander Col. Stephen Messenger on Feb. 12, 2024, at the garrison headquarters at Fort McCoy, Wis. Matias, 6, interviewed Messenger as part of a school project. Matias is the son of a Fort McCoy employee, and he also experienced what it's like to participate in the Army Combat Fitness Test and how to participate in retreat at the end of the duty day. Army

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Francisco Vega Gonzalez, left, 21st Security Force Squadron armorer, shows Liam, 8, an unloaded M249 light machine gun at the Defenders Fair, at Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado, May 19, 2022. The event, which had food trucks, games and law enforcement displays, was hosted to celebrate Police Week.

040115-F-1058T-001. Base: Mcchord Air Force Base State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: AMC

Master Sgt. Casey Steiner, G4 maintenance management, 1st Theater Sustainment Command is welcomed home by his family at Fort Knox, Kentucky, after a six-month long deployment in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.

Army Staff Sgt. Jason Dennis, an NCO assigned to C Co. 186th Brigade Support Battalion (Medical), 86th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Mountain), talks to young visitors checking out the inside of an M997A3 tactical Humvee ambulance during the Vermont National Guard Open House Sept. 11, 2022, in South Burlington, Vermont.

U.S. Navy Cmdr. Kai Siegele, an F/A-18 Super Hornet pilot assigned to Carrier Air Wing 5, reunites with his family after returning to Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, August 17, 2022. The air wing's return marked the completion of their most recent deployment aboard the USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76), where they provided airpower to protect U.S. forces and allies as they flew missions in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.

051222-A-2718K-097. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Mosul Country: Iraq (IRQ)

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.

Sergio Matias Chontal-Harter participates in a simulated formation for retreat with Fort McCoy Garrison Commander Col. Stephen Messenger and 1st Sgt. Jacob Pattison with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, U.S. Army Garrison-Fort McCoy, on Feb. 12, 2024, at the garrison headquarters at Fort McCoy, Wis. Matias, 6, interviewed Messenger as part of a school social studies project. Matias is the son of a Fort McCoy employee, and he also experienced what it's like to participate in the Army Combat Fitness Test and how to participate in retreat at the end of the duty day. Army

Pfc. Clayton Smith with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 (Reinforced), 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, greets his wife with a kiss during a homecoming ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station New River, N.C., Dec. 17, 2012. The 24th MEU returned to the U.S. after completing nearly nine months deployed as an expeditionary crisis response force with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group.

Ryker Guitard dangles from tail of a NHARNG Black Hawk helicopter as dad, Christopher, supervises during a Berlin Regional Airport open house Sept. 16, 2022, in Milan, N.H. The event was conducted to answer questions about the aircraft and plans to build a Guard hangar there. A proposed lease agreement with the airport would support aerial rescue operations, maintenance, and training in the White Mountain National Forest.

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