Over 400 Indiana National Guard Soldiers Return from Yearlong Middle East Deployment

More than 400 soldiers from Indiana's 38th Infantry Division of the National Guard have returned home after a nearly yearlong deployment supporting Operation Spartan Shield in the Middle East. The troops, led by Maj. Gen. Dan Degelow, provided command and control of combat forces and participated in 15 exercises aimed at strengthening defense partnerships and enhancing U.S. military readiness with regional allies. Degelow praised the soldiers for their professionalism, dedication, and ability to meet the challenges of their assignments, describing them as an "all-volunteer force of warriors." The 38th Infantry Division, known as the Cyclone Division, has a longstanding history of deployments in various operations including Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. The soldiers were warmly welcomed by family and friends upon their arrival at Indianapolis International Airport. Their return marks a transition back to civilian life after contributing significantly to U.S. military operations abroad.