GOVERNOR MARTIN O’MALLEY WELCOMES HOME MARYLAND VETERANS FROM ACTIVE DUTY

ANNAPOLIS, MD – Governor Martin O’Malley welcomed home more than 100 Army Reserve Soldiers and several hundred Maryland National Guard Airmen yesterday at two separate ceremonies. The Governor began at Fort McHenry with a welcome home to 112 Army Reserve Soldiers from Alpha Company, 323rd Military Intelligence Battalion, who Governor O’Malley met with in February during a Department of Defense-sponsored mission in Iraq. Later, the Governor participated in a welcome home celebration for several hundred Airmen from the Maryland National Guard, each of whom served more than 30 consecutive days for Operations Noble Eagle, Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom and other contingency operations.

“Our Soldiers and Airmen, each and every one of them, have given a gift to our country, serving where they were asked, saving lives, and delivering hope to those who need it most; what a great American once called an ‘example of individual liberty fused with common effort,’” said Governor O’Malley. “Their devotion to this country, their efforts, their character, and their leadership were needed in our community before they left, and are needed here at home even more now. We are so grateful to have these heroes back home.”

Governor O’Malley visited with Maryland-based Army Reserve A Company of the 323rd Military Intelligence Battalion while in Iraq on a Department of Defense-sponsored mission in February. Soldiers are returning after completing one year of deployment where the unit supported the Multi-National Corps-Iraq and United States Forces-Iraq Commanding General. Alpha, 323rd Soldiers supported multiple regional and analytical missions providing critical and timely information to the Commanding General and Staff of USF-I. Members include 25 Marylanders.

“The 323rd Military Intelligence Battalion is extremely pleased to recognize the faithful service of its Alpha Company citizen-warriors returning from a successful 400-day deployment to Operation Iraqi Freedom,” said Lt. Col. Karl E. Nell, Commander for the 323rd Battalion. “Following in the same tradition of self-sacrifice made famous by the defenders of Fort McHenry which helped preserve the Nation in 1814, our returning Soldiers have contributed markedly as silent professionals to missions of the highest National importance in theater. We are thankful that all have returned home safely and in confident knowledge of a job well done.”

The Maryland National Guard has deployed 1,725 Airmen in support of missions around the world since the attacks of September 11, 2001. Governor O’Malley and Lt. Governor Anthony Brown, an Operation Iraqi Freedom Veteran, have championed veterans causes particularly related to soldiers returning from active duty in Iraq and Afghanistan. Since launching the Veterans Behavioral Health Initiative last year, the O’Malley Brown Administration has invested $3.1 million to make these critical mental health services available for all Maryland veterans. The Maryland Higher Education Commission led the way in creating Maryland’s first ever scholarship program for returning veterans and the O’Malley Brown Administration has since provided $2.1 million to put the dream of a college education within reach for our veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan, including $750,000 for the current fiscal year. The O’Malley Brown Administration helped to secure more than $2 million in State and Federal funds for critical reintegration programs that are easing the transition from active duty to civilian life for our veterans who have proudly served their country.

“Our men and women in uniform have answered the call to serve their country,” said Congressman Dutch Ruppersberger, who attended both welcome home celebrations with the Governor. “These heroes put their lives on the line around the globe, so we can enjoy freedom and liberty here at home. We are grateful they have returned home safely. I am sure the families of the military personnel are grateful, too, and are incredibly proud of a job well done.”

“As a member of the House Armed Services Committee I was honored to spend this past Memorial Day with members of our Armed Forces serving in Afghanistan, and today I am just as honored to welcome these service men and women home and thank them for their service,” said Congressman Frank Kratovil, who also attended the Welcome Home ceremony at Fort McHenry. “Today, as these soldiers return home to Maryland we pause to remember what they have done on behalf of our freedom and our way of life, and we join their families in thanking God for their safe return. We all owe each of them a debt that cannot be repaid and we must continue to do everything in our power to fully equip and train our troops with whatever is needed to perform their missions safely and efficiently so that they can return home to their families sooner and safer.”

“The accomplishments of the Maryland Air National Guard since September 11, 2001 have added a distinguished chapter to an already stellar record of achievement,” said Brig. Gen. James A. Adkins, adjutant general of Maryland. “Their most recent operations in Afghanistan provided critical support to American forces and allies alike. Time and time again the Maryland Air Guard has answered our nation's call and we all should be proud of their contributions to keep us safe here at home.”

More than 21,000 Marylanders have deployed since the attacks of September 11, 2001 as active duty troops of all branches and components of the Armed Forces. There are currently 1,901 soldiers and airmen, including 808 reserves, on active duty from Maryland. In 2007, Maryland’s 58th Infantry Brigade Combat Team mobilized and deployed to Iraq in what was the largest deployment of combat Soldiers since World War II.

Of those who deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan or Kuwait, 116 Marylanders have died, 86 of them in active theater in Iraq. Five of these were Maryland National Guard Soldiers who died as a result of operations in Iraq.