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Col. Jesse Blanton, 10th Combat Aviation Brigade commander, left, and Command Sergeant Maj. Christopher Cooper, senior enlisted advisor, for the 10th Combat Aviation Brigade, 10th Mountain Division (LI), uncase the brigade’s colors during the uncasing ceremony at Wheeler-Sack Army Airfield on March 25, 2025, at Fort Drum, New York. The ceremony commemorates the completion of their successful deployment to the Middle East, where they supported critical missions as part of Operation Inherent Resolve, aiding in regional stability and security efforts. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Makenna Tilton)
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Soldiers with the 10th Combat Aviation Brigade, 10th Mountain Division (LI), salute the National Anthem during an uncasing of the brigade’s colors at Wheeler-Sack Army Airfield on March 25, 2025, at Fort Drum, New York. The ceremony commemorates the completion of their successful deployment to the Middle East, where they supported critical missions as part of Operation Inherent Resolve, aiding in regional stability and security efforts. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Makenna Tilton)
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Col. Jesse Blanton, 10th Combat Aviation Brigade commander, left, and Command Sergeant Maj. Christopher Cooper, senior enlisted advisor, for the 10th Combat Aviation Brigade, 10th Mountain Division (LI), prepare to uncase the colors during the brigade’s uncasing ceremony at Wheeler-Sack Army Airfield on Mar. 25, 2025, Fort Drum, New York. The ceremony marks the conclusion of their successful deployment in the Middle East in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Makenna Tilton)
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Maj. Daniel Liebetreu, an executive officer with the 10th Combat Aviation Brigade, 10th Mountain Division (LI), center, and Color Guard Soldiers salute the National Anthem during the brigade’s uncasing ceremony at Wheeler-Sack Army Airfield on March 25, 2025, at Fort Drum, New York. The ceremony marks the end of their successful deployment to the Middle East, where they supported key missions under Operation Inherent Resolve, contributing to regional stability and security. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Makenna Tilton)
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Col. Jesse Blanton, commander of the 10th Combat Aviation Brigade, 10th Mountain Division (LI), delivers a speech during the brigade’s uncasing ceremony at Wheeler-Sack Army Airfield on March 25, 2025, at Fort Drum, New York. The ceremony marks the conclusion of their successful deployment in the Middle East in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Makenna Tilton)
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Capt. John C. Beck, assigned to the 10th Combat Aviation Brigade, 10th Mountain Division (LI), serves as the master of ceremonies during the uncasing of the brigade’s colors at Wheeler-Sack Army Airfield on March 25, 2025, at Fort Drum, New York. The uncasing ceremony signifies the official return or arrival of the unit to its home station, symbolizing the unit’s readiness to resume its mission while honoring its heritage, achievements, and commitment to future operations. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Makenna Tilton)
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Maj. Daniel Liebetreu, an executive officer with the 10th Combat Aviation Brigade, 10th Mountain Division (LI), center, leads the formation during the brigade’s uncasing ceremony at Wheeler-Sack Army Airfield on March 25, 2025, at Fort Drum, New York. The uncasing ceremony signifies the official return or arrival of the unit to its home station, symbolizing the unit’s readiness to resume its mission while honoring its heritage, achievements, and commitment to future operations. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Makenna Tilton)
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Maj. Daniel Liebetreu, an executive officer with the 10th Combat Aviation Brigade, 10th Mountain Division (LI), stands in front of the formation during the brigade’s uncasing of the colors at Wheeler-Sack Army Airfield on March 25, 2025, at Fort Drum, New York. The ceremony marks the conclusion of their successful deployment in the Middle East in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Makenna Tilton)
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FORT DRUM, NEW YORK (March 25, 2025) – Soldiers with the 10th Combat Aviation Brigade, 10th Mountain Division (LI) celebrated their return to the United States with an uncasing ceremony at Fort Drum, New York, on March 25, 2025, marking the conclusion of their successful deployment in the Middle East in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.
The event celebrated their homecoming and showcased the brigade's heightened readiness and strengthened capabilities.
“The Falcon Brigade completed a remarkable deployment to CENTCOM in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, Operation Spartan Shield, and Multinational Force Observers Sinai,” said Col. Jesse Blanton, commander of the 10th Combat Aviation Brigade, 10th Mountain Division (LI).
The uncasing of the colors represents more than a symbolic gesture. It signifies the successful completion of their mission and the hard work, and sacrifices made by every Soldier throughout the deployment.
It’s a reminder of the unit’s resilience in the face of adversity and the unity maintained despite the challenges overseas. This uncasing ceremony is a celebration of their collective strength, perseverance, and readiness to continue serving wherever needed.
“The hard work and dedication of the Falcon Brigade made aviation operations in combat look routine, but this deployment was neither easy nor uneventful,” said Blanton. “What was most remarkable was the brigade's ability to adapt under fire to a constantly changing operational environment.”
This experience solidified their bond as a unit and enhanced the brigade’s overall readiness. The lasting impact of the deployment has left the Falcon Brigade better equipped to tackle future missions with greater precision, cohesion, and confidence.
“While it was a tremendous amount of work, our efforts were not in vain,” said Blanton. “The 10th CAB was a firsthand witness to significant events across the region and played a vital role in the historical events that took place during the deployment.”
Deployment is a crucial part of fulfilling the Army's mission, but the safe return of Soldiers to their families underscores the true success of any operation, reminding us that the strength of the military is built on both service and the unwavering support of loved ones back home.
“Most importantly, we have completed our mission and returned home with every single member of the Falcon Brigade,” said Blanton.
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