Welcome Home: Iowa National Guard Troops Return from Middle East Deployment
In a heartfelt reunion, hundreds of Iowa National Guard soldiers have returned home from the Middle East, marking the end of a nearly year-long deployment. The soldiers were greeted with welcome-home ceremonies across Iowa, reuniting with families and friends who eagerly awaited their return.
Approximately 575 soldiers from the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division, arrived on March 12, joining 250 troops who returned in February. This marked the completion of a rolling redeployment from Iraq and Syria, where they had been stationed since May 2025 as part of Operation Inherent Resolve.
A Long-Awaited Reunion
At Sioux Gateway Airport in Sioux City, more than 100 family members and friends gathered to welcome home troops from Company D, 334th Brigade Support Battalion, and C Troop, 1st Squadron, 113th Cavalry Regiment. The soldiers were greeted with cheers and tears as they reunited with loved ones.
According to KTIV, the soldiers had been deployed for 288 days. For many, it was the first time meeting new family members born during their time overseas.
Sgt. Madelynn Keunen of the 113th Cavalry expressed her excitement at meeting her newborn nephew, saying, “This is Maliky. I knew he was coming when I left. He was born in January. I was super, super excited.”
1st Sgt. Cole Cooley, who returned in February, described the experience of being home as “kind of surreal” and noted that it takes time to fully realize they are back.
In Cedar Rapids, Andres Garcia reflected on completing his first overseas tour with his wife by his side. “Honestly, it’s pretty overwhelming,” Garcia told CBS2 Iowa. “It was our first deployment for me and my wife.”
Le Mars Lines the Streets
In Le Mars, a small city in northwest Iowa, the welcome was especially poignant. The troopers traveled from Sioux Gateway to Le Mars in a bus led by a police motorcade. Residents lined the streets with flags and signs, creating a parade-like atmosphere.
“It was incredible, the amount of people that showed up,” said 1st Lt. Jamie Koopman of the 113th Cavalry. “Le Mars is probably the strongest community for military support, and the way they showed up today definitely proves that.”
The Fallen
The joy of the homecoming was tempered by the memory of two soldiers who did not return. Staff Sgt. William “Nate” Howard and Staff Sgt. Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar were killed in a December attack in Palmyra, Syria. Both men were part of the 1st Squadron, 113th Cavalry Regiment, and were posthumously promoted to staff sergeant.
1st Sgt. Cole Cooley acknowledged the impact of the loss, saying, “Obviously, December was a pretty sad month for us, and I think when that happens, it kind of makes it real for everybody.”
Iowa’s Largest Deployment in 15 Years
This deployment was the largest for the Iowa National Guard since 2010, with around 1,800 soldiers from the 2nd Brigade Combat Team deploying in May 2025. Maj. Gen. Stephen Osborn highlighted the ceremonies held throughout Iowa as a testament to the soldiers’ courage and community support.
Hundreds Still Overseas
The homecoming is not yet complete, as nearly 700 Iowa Guard troops remain deployed, continuing their advisory and security roles in the region. The return of these troops will depend on operational needs and available transport.
Iowa has endured further losses, including the deaths of six Army Reserve soldiers from the Des Moines-based 103rd Sustainment Command in a March attack. Among the fallen were two Iowans, Sgt. Declan Coady and Maj. Jeffrey O’Brien.
Families continue to wait for their loved ones’ return, with emotions running high amid the joy of reunions and the sorrow of those lost. Michael Sotter, father of a deployed sergeant, shared the sentiment, stating, “It’s very emotional… we can’t wait for her to get here,” as reported by WeAreIowa.
