(KNSI) – Nearly 60 National Guard troops based in St. Cloud begin returning to Minnesota on Saturday. Members of B Company, 1st General Support Aviation Battalion, 171st Aviation Regiment are returning from a nearly year-long deployment to Kuwait and Iraq.
“After being overseas for as long as we were, it feels great to be back in the United States,” said Army Capt. Vincent Gonsior is the Commander of B Company 1/171st GSAB. “This deployment has been a long journey, and I couldn’t be more proud of Bravo Company and all that we have achieved.”
The unit provided aerial support and combat support. The squadron flies CH-47 Chinook heavy-lift helicopters capable of transporting personnel and equipment.
“Before leaving home, I knew these citizen-Soldiers would perform like the true aviation professionals I had come to know, yet they still exceeded my expectations while on the deployment,” said Gonsior.
The unit deployed in February 2021 and, during their deployment, supported Operations Inherent Resolve and Spartan Shield. They previously deployed in 2006 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, in 2011 in support of Operation New Dawn, and in 2016 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
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