Oregon National Guard Deployment Returns, Aug. 14

Portland, Ore. – Oregon Governor Kate Brown together with U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, and Maj. Gen. Michael E. Stencel, the Adjutant General, Oregon, greet the initial return of Oregon Army National Citizen-Soldiers from Bravo Battery, 2nd Battalion, 218th Field Artillery and Alpha Company, 141st Brigade Support Battalion arriving to Oregon from a yearlong mobilization overseas, at the Portland International Airport, Aug. 13. This is the first arrival of two groups who mobilized to Qatar in September 2019. Known as Task Force Arrow these Oregon National Guard members were charged with securing critical infrastructure and personnel, and acted as a quick reactionary force throughout the region. Returning Guard members come from Portland, Forest Grove, McMinnville and Salem communities. The Task Force demobilized at Ft. Bliss, Texas where they completed an additional 14-day quarantine prior to their departure for Oregon. The second group is scheduled to arrive later in the week.  “This team of nearly 500 Oregonians supported overseas operations while being separated from their loved ones back home. Thank you and a big Welcome Home!” said Stephen Bomar, Director of Public Affairs, Oregon Military Department.