FOREST GROVE, Ore. – The Oregon National Guard formally welcomed home Soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 218th Field Artillery Regiment during a demobilization ceremony on Nov. 16, 2025, held at Neil Armstrong Middle School in Forest Grove, Oregon.

The 2-218th mobilized approximately 230 members in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, bearing the designation Task Force Defender, while conducting Short Range Air Defense operations at eight separate geographically dispersed sites in the Middle East countries of Jordan, Iraq, and Syria during their year-long deployment.

“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, 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.”

The unit's mission was to provide capabilities for countering rockets, artillery, and mortars, as well as combating unmanned aerial systems using both kinetic and non-kinetic methods, all while offering warnings of incoming threats.

Before deploying overseas, the Soldiers underwent specialized training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. This training aimed to enhance their skills in operating the equipment and systems essential for their role as primary air defenders, which American and Coalition partners rely on for force protection.

The 2nd Battalion, 218th Field Artillery Regiment has a long history of answering the State and Nation’s call for service. In the post 9/11 era, they have deployed to the Middle East to support Operations Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, Spartan Shield, and now Task Force Defender.

"Hey team Oregon, it's still us and we will always have your back, whether it's aboard or at home, we're still your home team," said Lt. Col. Stephan Bomar, Director of Public Affairs, Oregon Military Department.

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Released Images:

251116-Z-CH590-1039 and 251116-Z-CH590-1198: Oregon Army National Guard soldiers assigned to 2nd Battalion, 218th Field Artillery Regiment render a hand salute during their formal demobilization ceremony held in their honor on Nov. 16, 2025, at Neil Armstrong Middle School in Forest Grove, Oregon. Approximately 230 members of the unit deployed to support Operation Inherent Resolve at eight separate geographically dispersed sites in Jordan, Iraq, and Syria during their year-long mobilization. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

251116-Z-CH590-1062 and 251116-Z-CH590-1092: Brig. Gen. Alan R. Gronewold, Adjutant General, Oregon National Guard, addresses the Soldiers of the 2nd Battalion, 218th Field Artillery Regiment, along with their families, during their formal demobilization ceremony held on Nov. 16, 2025, at Neil Armstrong Middle School in Forest Grove, Oregon. Approximately 230 members of the unit deployed to support Operation Inherent Resolve at eight separate geographically dispersed sites in Jordan, Iraq, and Syria during their year-long mobilization. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

251116-Z-CH590-1118: Oregon Army National Guard Col. Paul Dyer, the 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team Commander, delivers remarks during the Soldiers of the 2nd Battalion, 218th Field Artillery Regiment, along with their families, during their formal demobilization ceremony held on Nov. 16, 2025, at Neil Armstrong Middle School in Forest Grove, Oregon. Approximately 230 members of the unit deployed to support Operation Inherent Resolve at eight separate geographically dispersed sites in Jordan, Iraq, and Syria during their year-long mobilization. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

251116-Z-CH590-1163: Oregon National Guard Col. Paul Dyer, the 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team Commander (left), and Brig. Gen. Alan R. Gronewold, Adjutant General, Oregon National Guard (right), greets and congratulates members of the 2nd Battalion, 218th Field Artillery Regiment following their formal demobilization ceremony on Nov. 16, 2025, held at Neil Armstrong Middle School in Forest Grove. Approximately 230 members of the unit deployed to support Operation Inherent Resolve at eight separate geographically dispersed sites in Jordan, Iraq, and Syria during their year-long mobilization. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

251116-Z-CH590-1220: Oregon Army National Guard Lt. Col. Manuel Robledo, commander of the 2nd Battalion, 218th Field Artillery Regiment (left), with assistance, uncases the unit colors during the demobilization ceremony held for the unit on Nov. 16, 2025, at Neil Armstrong Middle School in Forest Grove. Approximately 230 members of the unit deployed to support Operation Inherent Resolve at eight separate geographically dispersed sites in Jordan, Iraq, and Syria during their year-long mobilization. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)