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Strykers heading home

Nov-22-2006 » Filed Under: 172nd SBCT

By Margaret Friedenauer, Daily News-Miner

The 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team ended its combat operations in Baghdad on Monday, essentially bringing to a close its major work in Iraq, an Army official said Tuesday.

Col. Robert Ball, deputy commander of U.S. Army Alaska, made the announcement at a Greater Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce luncheon.

The roughly 3,800 soldiers with the brigade will begin arriving in Fairbanks on Saturday after completing a 16-month tour in Iraq. Army Alaska spokesman Maj. Kirk Gohlke said all the soldiers are scheduled to be back in Alaska by Dec. 5.

About 200 soldiers with the 4th Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment of the brigade will fly into Anchorage. The 4-23 was based at Fort Richardson before the unit’s Iraq deployment but has relocated to Fort Wainwright so the entire brigade is together.

The 172nd deployed to Iraq in August 2005 in what was the largest combat deployment of Alaska-based troops since the Vietnam War. While deployed, the brigade conducted operations across northern and western Iraq, including Mosul, Tal Afar and the remote outpost of Rawah, near the Syrian border. After the brigade began returning home in July, Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld approved a 120-day extension of the 172nd so it could be relocated to Baghdad and help quell sectarian violence there. About 300 soldiers who had already returned to Alaska were sent back to Iraq after the extension.


Comments For "Strykers heading home":

This is the greatest news yet. I must say I'm still apprehensive because the last time they were headed home they got redeployed. But let's all continue to pray that this will happen this time. Our Sons and or husbands will be home safe. We are so proud of all of our soldiers and May God continue to Bless each and every one of them. And Randi, David is almost home. Spc.Long's MOM

Posted by: teachernancy [TypeKey Profile Page] | November 22, 2006 8:36 PM

I am so happy to see your men come home!!!!! Good luck to you all I hope you enjoy your time and as sad as I am to have my husband gone I am so proud and happy they can send the 172 home at last. We are so proud of all of all you. Best wishes

Wife
S Brown 520 inf

Posted by: sbrown [TypeKey Profile Page] | November 23, 2006 6:17 AM

YES! THANK YOU GOD! We are so excited and are waiting for that long-awaited phone call of "Mom, I'm home!" Thank you to all of the men and women of the 172nd and also to all the families for your courage and many sacrifices. We continue to pray for safety for the journey home and will, of course, continue our prayers for those who remain in Iraq.
God Bless you,
Ken's Stryker Mom

Posted by: strykermom55 [TypeKey Profile Page] | November 23, 2006 11:14 PM

thank god that our son is coming back to alaska with the 172nd 4-23and all the troop's we cant wait until we get the phone call that there back.

Posted by: roger waldrop [TypeKey Profile Page] | November 24, 2006 10:15 AM

Hallelujah...
It has been such a long wait for us all...
I am so excited, as I have not seen my sgt. son in 4 years and worried endlessly over the past 16 months wondering if I would ever get to see him again. But HALLELUJAH...I am flying in to Fairbanks Dec. 1st, and it is going to be the best Christmas Season EVER...
Glory!
I have so many hugs to pass on to so many of the 172nd, Stryker Brigade who return, from so many people who are so appreciative to them all!
God Bless you all!
Sgt. K. W. Volentine's
Proud Momma

Posted by: ProudArmyMomma [TypeKey Profile Page] | November 24, 2006 7:01 PM

I'm glad my brother David is finally on his was home.I wish he was coming home to Kentucky but I'm glad he is on his way back to Alaska.I know Randi is waiting for him there.I'm really proud of my little brother and all the other soldiers.SpcLongs sister

Posted by: Frances [TypeKey Profile Page] | November 24, 2006 11:03 PM

I just want to say to all of our 172nd that's coming home.
Thank you so much for all that you have done & continue to do.
It is a homecoming that long overdue. You make america proud. to my husband you are truly my hero. God bless you all

Posted by: 172ndwife [TypeKey Profile Page] | November 25, 2006 1:23 PM

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