The Oregon National Guard's 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT) has returned home from a year-long deployment in Kosovo, according to an announcement by the Oregon Military Department. The troops were part of the NATO-led Kosovo Force (KFOR) mission, and landed back on home soil on July 19, 2025, with a warm reception at Camp Withycombe awaiting them. The return marked the culmination of their participation in KFOR's 34th rotation, a mission operating continuously since 1999 to preserve the stability of the Balkan region.
Approximately 300 soldiers came home in two contingents, the first greeted enthusiastically by their families and other supporters as they entered Camp Withycombe's gymnasium in Happy Valley, Oregon. The first group consisted primarily of members from the 2nd Battalion, 162nd Infantry Regiment out of Springfield, and included medical and support personnel that rounded out the task force. The task force, as reported by the Oregon Military Department, involved soldiers not only from Oregon but also from Idaho, West Virginia, New Jersey, and Tennessee.
During their deployment, the Oregon soldiers partook in a vast array of actions that furthered international military cooperation and provided valuable assistance to the local communities in Kosovo. As per the Oregon Military Department, they engaged in over 4,000 security patrols, had 13,000 public interactions, and volunteered more than 5,000 hours aiding community initiatives. In their duties, they provided support during significant terrorist attacks and secured crucial infrastructures, cementing their role as a pivotal force for peace and stability in the region.
Lt. Col. Joseph Twigg and Col. Peter Helzer expressed their appreciation for the soldiers' professionalism and integral role in securing Kosovo. Helzer highlighted the operational successes and the broader importance of the mission, saying, "Oregon soldiers contributed to a robust international mission," while outlining the brigade's various activities. Especially noted was the integration of Oregon soldiers into an intricate system of local law enforcement and emergency operations, which will translate into enhanced emergency response ability back in Oregon. Furthermore, during their deployment, soldiers conducted joint patrols to navigate contested terrains with counterparts from German and Latvian armies, and worked closely with staff from several allied nations.
The return of the unit not only signifies a job well done but also a transition back to life in Oregon, where the skills and lessons learned will be applied to future missions. The 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team, with its storied history and a long list of deployments, from Iraq to Afghanistan, has added yet another chapter to its tradition. The formal demobilization ceremony planned for the near future will honor their successful mission and the strategic significance of their accomplishments abroad. The brigade's focus now is on reintegration and preparing for the next call of duty, wherever it may be.
