4th Infantry Division returns to Fort Carson Wednesday after 8-month deployment to Europe
FORT CARSON, Colo. (KRDO) -- A Wednesday morning ceremony at the Mountain Post celebrated the return of 120 soldiers who were among the 800 deployed to an eight-month training mission in Europe.
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This was the first time in several years that local media were allowed to attend the ceremony; KRDO has learned that the Army post's previous commanding general considered homecomings to be high-security events, but the new commander who arrived this summer has relaxed that restriction.
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The final group of soldiers returned to the Special Events Center just after 9 a.m., and were warmly welcomed by family, friends and supporters.
GEN David Scott Doyle, the unit's commander, said that the mission was conducted in Poland and other parts of Europe.
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"Because of what's happening with Russia and Ukraine, our allies in the area were very concerned about their sovereignty and security," he explained. "As a result, what we've done is help strengthen their militaries and we've increased the capacity of the NATO alliance. And therefore, we've made Europe a lot more secure."
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For many soldiers, the mission represented their first deployment; future deployments are already planned but those attending the homecoming can look forward to spending holidays at home.
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"It's my son's birthday today," said A.J. Busche, whose wife, SGT Monet Busche, was among the returning soldiers. "We have two kids, and they don't know yet that she's home today. It'll be a surprise."
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Watch KRDO NewsChannel 13 at 4 p.m. Wednesday for a full report.