Centennial, Colorado –
CENTENNIAL, Colo. – Approximately 130 Colorado Army National Guard Citizen-Soldiers will be welcomed back to Colorado by family, friends and employers Sept. 5.
The welcome home ceremony for Task Force Mountain Sentinel will be held at hanger 909 at Buckley Air Force Base, Aurora, Colorado, beginning at 5 p.m.
The Soldiers were stationed at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, for a year-long mobilization and deployment.
Task Force Mountain Sentinel, a composite of the 193rd Military Police Battalion and the 220th Military Police Company, validated its mission readiness in October of 2014 at Fort Bliss, Texas, before starting its assignment with Joint Task Force Guantanamo in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
"These Citizen-Warriors coming home to Colorado made a vital contribution to our national security. I am confident they can accomplish any mission they're trained and resourced to perform. It won't be long before they're in demand again," said Adjutant General of Colorado Maj. Gen. H. Michael Edwards.
Task force Soldiers provided sustained humane care and custody of detainees through the conduct of transparent detention operations while ensuring the safety and security of all personnel. Task force leadership received accolades from the Joint Guantanamo Bay staff for their dedication and duty.
Almost one-fourth of the task force previously deployed in support of detainee operations overseas. Nearly 13 percent of task force members have civilian law enforcement careers, which serve to enhance their military specialty.
FOR ASSIGNMENT EDITORS:
News media representatives interested in covering this event RSVP to 2nd Lt. Cheresa Clark by 2 p.m., Sept. 5. Media should arrive at the Mississippi gate of Buckley Air Force Base (on Mississippi Avenue one block east of Tower Road) no later than 4:15 p.m., Sept. 5. Media will drive through the commercial vehicle lane and vehicles will be searched. Media representatives must have proof of insurance, vehicle registration, identification, and valid press credentials (business cards are sufficient). Media will be escorted while on base. For questions, contact 2nd Lt. Cheresa Clark, 720-250-1053.