FORT DRUM, N.Y. (Dec. 9, 2014) -- Secretary of the Army John McHugh officially welcomed home the 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) during a unique welcome home ceremony Monday at Magrath Gym, here.
For the first time in the last 13 years of the global war on terrorism, Soldiers of the 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) have redeployed after completing their last mission during Operation Enduring Freedom XV at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan.
The ceremony was for all of "Team Drum," said Maj. Gen. Stephen J. Townsend, Fort Drum and 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) commander, to the attendees. Townsend's reference was to all of the military Service members and civilians who have supported the installation and the units housed at Fort Drum, and to the families and friends who continue to support the mission.
"Over the last 18 months, every brigade from this division has deployed and redeployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom," Townsend said. "Today, we are welcoming home all of them as well and reuniting the division for the first time in a long time."
McHugh, who is originally from Watertown, helped Townsend and Command Sgt. Maj. Ray Lewis, division senior enlisted adviser, place campaign streamers on the division colors for its role in Operation Restore Hope in Somalia, 22 years ago, and for its most recent deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom this year.
"I remain honored and humbled to have recently approved that streamer," McHugh said. "It's altogether fitting that we celebrate and recognize our Army's long tradition of service and sacrifice."
Soldiers of the 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) were the first to deploy to Afghanistan in 2001, and they were the last out for Operation Enduring Freedom as the regional command mission ended last month. In all, division headquarters deployed six times: five to Afghanistan and one to Iraq.
Although most 10th Mountain Division Soldiers are home, there are approximately 300 who are still deployed to Afghanistan. The remaining members should redeploy before the end of the year.
Of the hundreds in attendance, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, U.S. Representative-elect Elise Stefanik, state Sen. Patty Ritchie and Watertown Mayor Jeff Graham honored Fort Drum with their presence.
Cuomo, who traveled to Afghanistan to visit the 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) in September, told the members of Fort Drum that the state of New York owes them a "debt of gratitude." He presented the division with a plaque from New York state.
"You've fulfilled your mission. Now, ours begins: to welcome and support you in every way we can," Cuomo said.
Gen. Mark Milley, commander of U.S. Army Forces Command and former 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) commander; Command Sgt. Maj. Scott C. Schroeder, FORSCOM senior enlisted adviser; and former 10th Mountain Division Command Sgt. Maj. Rick Merritt, who works in the Office of the Sergeant Major of the Army, also were present.
Related Links:
'Marne Division' adds streamer, cases colors to deploy to Afghanistan
Secretary of the Army John McHugh
Social Sharing