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.

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.

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.

"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."

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.

"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."

Watch KRDO NewsChannel 13 at 4 p.m. Wednesday for a full report.