Email   Print   Share By 1st Lt. Gregg Verhoef, 4-5 ADA

Facebook Digg Delicious February 25, 2010 | News

Soldiers from Battery E, 4-5 ADA stand in formation in the West Fort Hood Physical Fitness Center Friday before being released to the waiting arms of loved ones. Pfc. Maria L. Asenbrener, 69th ADA Public Affairs

Col. James H. Jenkins, commander of the 69th ADA Bde., talks to family members at the welcome home ceremony for Soldiers of Battery E, 4-5 ADA who returned to Fort Hood Friday after a year-long deployment to Iraq.

Soldiers from Battery E, 4th Battalion, 5th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 69th ADA Brigade, returned to Fort Hood after a yearlong deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom Friday.

Echo Battery performed a critical counter-rocket artillery and mortar mission in Iraq, during which they were responsible for protecting thousands of Soldiers on numerous forward operating bases across Iraq from enemy rocket, artillery and mortar attack. During several enemy mortar attacks Echo Battery provided early warning, saving countless lives by allowing Soldiers on forward operating bases time to seek cover before the rounds impacted.

The battery’s Soldiers were spread across the country on FOBs, both large and small, at some of the most dangerous locations in Iraq.

The unit developed, tested, and implemented a new system to allow FOBs to share early warning information, thereby speeding response times to enemy mortar attack.

As a result of the battery’s outstanding performance and service, the Soldiers of Echo Battery were awarded more than 60 Combat Action Badges and more than 20 Bronze Stars.

While their Soldiers were deployed, Echo Battery’s families maintained a successful and supportive Family Readiness Group. The strong network established by the FRG leaders contributed immensely to Soldiers, keeping them able to stay focused on their important mission.

After the Soldier’s return flight was pushed back several days, the battery’s anxious and eager families were excited to reunite with their loved ones at the welcome home ceremony Friday afternoon at the West Fort Hood Physical Fitness Center.