The third and last wave of Arizona’s National Guard 1/285^th “Desert Hawks” has returned from their year-long deployment to Afghanistan. This last group was the largest, and the nosiest, of the three waves of returnees; with about 170 soldiers in this segment. During their deployment the 1/285^th established historical records of combat missions and they were awarded several hundred medals (see 1/285^th Media Talking Points following, provided by Department Commander Betty Gripp). Fortunately only one Purple Heart was given out. Most importantly, no one was left behind; all members of the 1/285^th returned home safely. On hand to greet them were several hundred family, friends, the Legion Riders, Patriot Guard Riders, American Red Cross ‘Rescue Bear’ and members of the VFW and the Veterans and Family Support (V&FS) committee; including LAVFW-10188 and V&FS Chair Kim Sloan. In the coming weeks there are many ‘Welcome Home’ parties planned for these solders’ and their families.

Pictured is LAVFW-10188 and V&FS Chair Kim Sloan with Elizabeth Guerra at the “Welcome Home” celebration for the third wave of returning Arizona National Guard 1/285^th at the Pinal Air Park in Marana. Elizabeth’s daughter served with the 1/285th and is with the third wave. Elizabeth is also a member of LAVFW-10188, and will host a party for her daughter, Sergeant Eunice Guerra, at VFW-10188 in Tucson, which is planned for the 23rd of February.