Yesterday, a special ceremony was held at the Oregon State Library for nine soldiers from Alpha Minus, Second Battalion, 641st Aviation Regiment. Governor Tina Kotek welcomed them home after their deployment to the Horn of Africa. The soldiers had been stationed there since July 14, 2023, as part of Operation Enduring Freedom, supporting U.S. Africa Command and Combined Joint Task Force operations.
Governor Kotek, who had sent them off over a year ago, expressed her gratitude during the event. I was honored to see you off as your Commander-in-Chief, and I’m honored to welcome you back safely. Thank you for your service, courage, and sacrifice, she said.
The ceremony celebrated the end of the soldiers’ deployment and recognized the sacrifices they and their families made. The Horn of Africa plays a key role in U.S. military strategy, and these Oregon troops helped promote security and protect U.S. interests during their mission.