Oregon National Guard Welcomes Home Soldiers from Task Force Defender
More than 200 Soldiers return from a year-long deployment supporting air defense operations across the Middle East.
The Oregon National Guard formally welcomed home Soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 218th Field Artillery Regiment during a demobilization ceremony held Sunday at Neil Armstrong Middle School in Forest Grove. The event marked the official return of the unit following a year-long deployment in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.
Approximately 230 Soldiers from the battalion mobilized under the designation Task Force Defender, serving across eight dispersed locations in Jordan, Iraq, and Syria. Their mission centered on Short Range Air Defense operations — including countering rockets, artillery, and mortars, as well as combating unmanned aerial systems using both kinetic and non-kinetic methods. The unit also provided early warning of incoming threats, supporting American forces, coalition partners, and local populations.
“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 overseas, the Soldiers completed specialized training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, preparing them to operate the advanced systems and equipment essential to their role as primary air defenders.
The 2nd Battalion, 218th Field Artillery Regiment has played a significant role in national defense for decades. Since the post-9/11 era, the battalion has deployed multiple times in support of Operations Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, Spartan Shield, and now Task Force Defender.
The Oregon Military Department provided several photos from the ceremony
