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Ft Campbell Welcomes Home 101st Returning From Iraq

Public Affairs Offfice
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Ft Campbell

170 soldiers from the U.S. Army’s 101st Airborne Division have returned to Fort Campbell after a 9-month deployment in Iraq.  

A welcome home ceremony with family and friends of the troops was held at the base this morning (Fri).

The 101st was part of the Combined Joint Forces in support of Operation Inherent Resolve to advise and assist Iraqi Security Forces as they battle the Islamic State.

Returning soldiers are from the Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion of the 101st Airborne Division and Division Artillery.

Major General Gary Volesky says the 101st exceeded what was expected of them."

"All I want to say is, thanks for all you've done," said Voleskyl. "We left here nine months ago and right before I left, some leaders came down and said 'Volesky, if the 101st can just get the Iraqis around to isolate Mosul by the time you leave, that would be unbelievable but we don't think that can happen.' Well not only are they around, but they are inside Mosul. I'm really proud of our unit, everybody was in it to win it."

Volesky says that with US Army enablement, Iraqi Security Forces have gained 60 percent of the enemy’s terrain since 2014.  

"The Iraqis are the ones fighting this fight," he said. "We're advising really at the division level and above, so at the tip of the spear those are the Iraqis that are winning the fight."

There are still approximately 1,300 soldiers from the 2nd Brigade Combat Strike Team currently in Iraq.  

Rob Canning is a native of Murray, KY, a 2015 TV Production grad of Murray State. At MSU, he served as team captain of the Murray State Rowing Club. Rob's goal is to become a screenwriter, film director or producer and looks to the likes of Quentin Tarantino and Guy Ritchie for inspiration. He appreciates good music, mainly favoring British rock n' roll, and approves of anything with Jack White's name on it. When not studying, rowing or writing, Rob enjoys spending his free time with a book or guitar.
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