Story and Photos by Capt. Stephen Martin, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
[caption id="attachment_11783" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Chief Warrant Officer Don Harlan's family waits anxiously to welcome him home from Iraq. The Headquarters Co. of the 149th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade were honored at a welcome home ceremony in Louisville today. (photo by Capt. Stephen Martin, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs)"]
LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- Task Force Legion's Commander, Col. Scott Campbell, and approximately 53 Kentucky Army National Guard Soldiers from the 149th Headquarters Company were honored at a welcome home ceremony at the Louisville Fairgrounds Armory today.
"We effectively transitioned operations from U.S. control to Iraqi control this month," said Campbell. "I was a little nervous, but it went extremely well because of the professionalism of the Soldiers of the 149th."
[caption id="attachment_11784" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Anna hugs her husband, Sgt. Scott Raper after several months away serving in Iraq. The Headquarters Co. of the 149th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade were honored at a welcome home ceremony in Louisville today. (photo by Capt. Stephen Martin, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs)"]
The 149th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade comprised the largest element of Task Force Legion which deployed more than 1,300 Soldiers to Iraq last June. The Soldiers of "Task Force Legion" were instrumental in enacting the withdrawal of troops in Iraq, conducting security force, base defense and convoy security operations throughout the United States Forces-Iraq area of responsibility. The deployment of this unit was part of the largest mobilization of Kentucky National Guard troops since World War II.
"To the Soldiers of 149th and Task Force Legion, we all owe you much for your service," said Brig. Gen. John Heltzel, Deputy Commander for the Kentucky National Guard. "In most ways, we cannot repay you for what you have done."
[caption id="attachment_11785" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="After a 7-month deployment to Iraq, the Headquarters Co. of the 149th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade were honored at a welcome home ceremony in Louisville today. (photo by Capt. Stephen Martin, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs)"]
Headquarters Company, 149th MEB deployed with 100 Soldiers, many of whom have been sent to their home units already in other communities.
Since 9/11, nearly 14,000 Kentucky National Guard Soldiers and Airmen have mobilized in support of the Global War on Terror.