FORT GILLEM, Ga. -- Although trained to diffuse bombs, the eruption of emotions from their Family and friends was one explosion returning Soldiers from the 184th Ordnance Battalion didn\'t want to prevent.
The 28 Soldiers of the 52nd Ordnance Group returned to Fort Gillem Nov. 4 after a 15-month tour of duty in Iraq. During their tour, the Soldiers were attached to Task Force Troy-North.
Stationed throughout five districts of the Multi-National Division-North (MNDN) area of operation, the Soldiers helped train Iraqi security companies and Soldiers of the 8th Division Iraqi Army Bomb Disposal Company in ordnance disposal tactics.
Brig. Gen. Jeffrey J. Snow, commander, 20th Support Command, the 52nd's parent unit, said the unit also provided expert advice to the leadership of MNDN on the employment of counter improvised explosive device (IED) enablers, as well as on-the-scene ground support for five brigade combat teams.
"During their 15 months, they supported or executed in excess of 8,000 explosive ordnance disposal missions that included the neutralization of 2,900 IEDS, 45 vehicle-borne IEDs and 1,200 pieces of unexploded ordnance," said Snow, who served as guest speaker for the event.
Additional accomplishments included performing more than 2,500 route clearance missions, conducting 1,200 post blast analysis and helping build profiles to help track down and kill or capture those responsible for killing Americans and Iraqis.
"I'm really proud of the 184th's accomplishments," added Lt. Col. Craig Irland, 184th commander. Irland noted that upon arriving in theater, there were approximately 1,500 IEDs encountered a month, and upon leaving that number were reduced to approximately 400. "You were the key to that reduction."
While all the accolades and accomplishments will go down in the unit's lineage, at the event the Soldiers were only focused on the present. "It's great to be back," said Spc. Alika Gibson, 184th supply sergeant. "I'm just going to enjoy my Family."
Spouses, children, friends and community members shared such sentiments as well, showing them in a display of hugs, cheers and flag waving.
The Patriot Guard Riders, a motorcycle group whose aim is to show respect for those who risk their lives for America's freedom and security, also attended and escorted the Soldiers to the ceremony.
"On behalf of two grateful countries, the United States and Iraq, I want to thank and congratulate you on a job well done," Snow said. "You are all heroes."
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