Oregon National Guard Welcomes Home 2-218th Field Artillery Soldiers After Yearlong Middle East Mission

Forest Grove, OR. — The Oregon National Guard formally welcomed home Soldiers of the 2nd Battalion, 218th Field Artillery Regiment during a demobilization ceremony on Nov. 16, 2025, at Neil Armstrong Middle School, marking the end of a yearlong deployment supporting Operation Inherent Resolve.

Approximately 230 Soldiers mobilized as Task Force Defender, conducting Short Range Air Defense operations across eight sites in Jordan, Iraq, and Syria. Their mission focused on countering rockets, artillery, mortars, and unmanned aerial systems through both kinetic and non-kinetic methods, while providing early warning of incoming threats.

“On behalf of Governor Kotek and the entire Oregon National Guard, it is my honor and privilege to officially say, ‘Welcome Home,’” said Brig. Gen. Alan R. Gronewold, Adjutant General of the Oregon National Guard. “During Task Force Defender, you took on one of the most demanding and technically complex missions in modern warfare. Every single day, American forces, coalition partners, and local populations relied on you for their protection.”

Before deploying, Soldiers trained at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, to refine their proficiency with the advanced systems required for their air defense mission, skills that are essential to protecting U.S. and Coalition forces in an increasingly drone-contested environment.

The 2-218th Field Artillery Regiment has a long history of responding to state and national call-ups. Since 9/11, the battalion has supported multiple overseas operations, including Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, Spartan Shield, and most recently Task Force Defender.

Lt. Col. Stephan Bomar, Director of Public Affairs for the Oregon Military Department, reinforced the unit’s ongoing commitment to Oregonians. “Hey team Oregon, it’s still us and we will always have your back—whether it’s abroad or at home, we’re still your home team,” Bomar said.

Families, community members, and veterans filled the school gym to greet the Soldiers, many seeing their loved ones for the first time in a year. The ceremony closed with applause, handshakes, and long-awaited reunions, marking the battalion’s official transition back to Oregon and civilian life.