Local National Guardsmen return home
CONNELLSVILLE – A six-month tour of duty in Europe ended Sunday for approximately 35 National Guard soldiers. The Guardsmen filed off the bus into the waiting arms of wives and girlfriends, fathers and mothers as other unit members of Company D 1st Battalion 103rd Armor stood to the side for their opportunity to greet the returnees. The returning soldiers were assigned to U.S. military bases in Italy and Germany as part of Operation Enduring Freedom, the nation’s ongoing war against terrorism abroad.
During its deployment, the unit augmented active-duty forces providing enhanced security in the wake of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. Duties included manning points of access at the installations and conducting patrols at the sites.
“There were a lot of long hours, but we did our job,” said Sgt. David Teres.
This was the second wave of returnees to the Connellsville Armory following the approximately 10 members of the unit who arrived from Fort Dix, N.J., last week.
“It’s good to be home,” said Capt. Dana Keith, company commander, as he was greeted by several family members.
The soldiers were called to federal active duty in June.
Although their orders are for 12 months, Lt. Col. Christopher Cleaver, state Department of Military and Veterans Affairs spokesman, said it is unlikely the soldiers will be called to any additional active duty.
“A few of them will stay on (active) duty for a while to make sure everything gets into top shape at the Armory, but the remaining soldiers are released from (active) duty,” he said.
“The protections are in place to utilize the Guard member for a defined time and let them hang up the battle dress uniform and put on the suit and tie and let them go back to work.”
However, Cleaver added that the Guardsmen could be recalled immediately to active duty in the event there is another stateside attack or if the U.S. and its allies declare war against Iraq.
“It is unlikely they would be activated, unless there would be another attack here at home,” he said. “If there would be a declaration of war, then any soldier can be called to active duty for any period of time.”
Cleaver said that should there be a need for additional National Guard troops, they would likely come from other units across the state, other than those that have already been tapped for activation.
“In Pennsylvania, with 20,000-plus people, we have a lot of other personnel that we can earmark for deployment in future missions,” he said. “We do weigh out who was deployed last and in what geographic regions (before choosing who will be mobilized).”
Cleaver said he would encourage the members of Delta Company and all returning National Guardsmen to resume their normal lifestyle.
“They did a great job in Europe and we appreciate their service,” he said. “Now, they should go back to work.”
Other local units with returning personnel on Sunday included Washington Company B, 876th Engineer Battalion and Mount Pleasant Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 110th Infantry.