Final wave of Soldiers return home

Story by Staff Sgt. Gregory Smith, 200th Public Affairs Detachment

RIO RANCHO, N.M. — The final wave of New Mexico Army National Guard Infantrymen from both Alpha and Bravo Companies, 1st Battalion, 200th Infantry, arrived yesterday at the Readiness Center here, having completed a nine-month deployment to Djibouti, Africa.

An enthusiastic crowd of family, friends, and senior Guard leaders—including Maj. Gen. Kenneth Nava, the Adjutant General of New Mexico, met the Soldiers as they dismounted the bus and unloaded their gear.

“Welcome home,” said Nava as he greeted Soldiers with elbow bumps.

Nava thanked the Soldiers as they lined up for their final formation before being released to their families.

“I’m still getting emails about how well you all did over and the great work you did,” said Nava. “No big speeches—thank you for what you did. Get reintegrated. We have lots of resources for anything you guys need, and go get some green chile.”

Mission complete, the released Soldiers eagerly rushed off to be with their loved ones.