INDIANAPOLIS -- The Cyclone Division is back home,
600 Indiana National Guard soldiers from the 38th Infantry Division returned to Indianapolis after nine-months in the Middle East followed by two-weeks at Fort Hood in Texas for COVID-19 quarantine.
"I am very proud of the missions accomplished by the 38th Infantry Division," said Brig. Gen. Dale Lyles, Indiana National Guard adjutant general. "Maj. Gen. Ellis and his more than 600 soldiers were just the tip of the spear joining the approximately 10,000 troops supporting Task Force Spartan. These Hoosier soldiers departed in May to endure a nine-month deployment throughout the Middle East. Your successes reflect greatly on our organizations capabilities, and bring immense pride to our state."
According to a guard public information officer, Task Force Spartan helped maintain a U.S. military posture among allied nations to strengthen defense relationships, build partner capacity and deter regional aggression.
"Coming into this deployment we were a relatively new team," said Maj. Daniel Taylor, deputy human resources officer for Task Force Spartan. "Seeing everyone come together during the rapidly evolving mission was rewarding and solidified the overall way the division operates."
38th Infantry Division's mission was accomplished by providing command, control and in-depth staff analysis for approximately 10,000 U.S. service members.
"My task during the deployment was a very unique and interesting one" said Master Sgt. Daniel Bozarth, the liaison officer with the Kuwait land forces. "I was a conduit in between Task Force Spartan and the Kuwait land forces, paving the way for partnerships."
"I'm really proud to be a part of the 38th Infantry Division and the mission we completed, "said Maj. Taylor. "It was a very tough mission and things changed rapidly, but we had great leaders throughout the whole deployment making it a great experience."
The Cyclones were recognized during a departure ceremony, during opening ceremonies of the Indianapolis 500 last May.
