10th Mountain Division headquarters returns from historic mission

By Spc. Osama AyyadNovember 13, 2014

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After uncasing the unit colors, Maj. Gen. Stephen J. Townsend, Fort Drum and 10th Mountain Division (LI) commander, and Command Sgt. Maj. Ray Lewis, division senior enlisted adviser, lead Soldiers in rendering a salute during their welcome home cerem... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT DRUM, N.Y. -- After 10 months in Afghanistan, Soldiers of the Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, 10th Mountain Division (LI) received an enthusiastic welcome home by their Families and loved ones Thursday evening at Magrath Sports Complex.

The mission was 10th Mountain Division's fifth and final deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

The 10th Mountain was the first division to deploy in support of OEF. Unit leaders said it is fitting that the division is the last one 12 years later.

During the ceremony, Maj. Gen. Stephen J. Townsend, Fort Drum and 10th Mountain Division (LI) commander, and Command Sgt. Maj. Ray Lewis, senior enlisted adviser, uncased the 10th Mountain Division (LI) colors, which symbolizes the unit's arrival at its destination: home.

Soldiers saluted as members of the 10th Mountain Division Band played the national anthem.

Following the music, a prayer was said.

Townsend then approached the podium and began to address the Soldiers in formation, with whom he marched in only moments earlier.

"OK! This won't take a while, I promise," Townsend said, looking into the ranks of the Soldiers in front of him.

"One-minute speech, two songs, and you're out of here," he said. "Hooah?"

"Hooah!" responded the Soldiers eagerly waiting to embrace their loved ones.

"OK, I am just as ready to go as all of you are," Townsend asserted with a smile.

The Soldiers standing in formation helped to lead Regional Command-East, Afghanistan through an election, a run-off election, and the first peaceful democratic transfer of power in the history of Afghanistan, Townsend pointed out.

The Soldiers helped adjust the posture of units in preparation for Operation Resolute Support.

Meanwhile, another 88 10th Mountain Division Soldiers remain deployed to Afghanistan, and 68 of them will help the 3rd Infantry Division begin its mission in support of Operation Resolute Support.

"I cannot tell you how proud I am of these Soldiers," Townsend added during his address.

After the singing the Army Song and the 10th Mountain Division Song, the commander gave the order his Soldiers have been waiting to hear since their return to Fort Drum: "Headquarters dismissed."