October 13, 2005

Source: The Greeneville Sun

After spending more than a year in Iraq flying UH60 Blackhawk helicopters in combat and combat support missions, the 78 soldiers of Troop N and Troop T, 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment, are scheduled to return to Ft. Bragg, N.C. later this week. The Tennessee Army National Guard soldiers from Smyrna and Alcoa may spend from seven to 10 days out-processing at Ft. Bragg before returning to Tennessee, a press release from the Tennessee Army National Guard said. Troop N, the flying unit, and Troop T, the AVUM (Aviation Unit Maintenance) have flown nearly 4,500 hours, ferrying troops, supplies, and sling-loads throughout Iraq since their deployment in August 2004. One of the most significant missions for the units was to distribute, then pick up and deliver, ballots during the first Iraqi elections in January 2005. The Tennessee National Guard said, "No specific date has been released for the units’ return to Tennessee. Additional information will be supplied as it becomes available." No information was provided about when National Guardsmen from this area will be returning.

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