Warm homecoming welcome for US troops in foreign lands

Photo By Maj. Nicole Ashcroft | Ohio National Guard and Hungarian troops march down the main city street of Solnok, Hungary, during the Operational Mentor and Liaison Team homecoming ceremony, Aug. 15. The team spent the last year working together with Hungarian soldiers training the Afghan national army forces  

08.17.2009

Story by Capt. Nicole Ashcroft 

Ohio National Guard Public Affairs

On a warm and sunny August afternoon, spirits were high as local Hungarian community members, government officials and military leaders awaited the arrival of their U.S. and Hungarian troops who had deployed to Afghanistan together.

After eight months of eating Meals-Ready-to-Eat and mastering basic Hungarian phrases like "jo reggelt" (good morning) and "hogy vagy" (how are you), 28 Ohio Army National Guard troops participated in a homecoming ceremony with their 29 Hungarian counterparts, Aug. 17, outside of the Municipal Museum of Szolnok, Hungary.

The two countries' military members deployed together to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom through the National Guard Bureau State Partnership Program. This forged Operational Mentor and Liaison Team, consisting of 57 members, is the first to return home after completing their mission of providing training and mentoring to the Afghan national army.

The troops trained together for about three months in Hungary and Germany before deploying to Afghanistan for a 6-month tour of duty. During that time, they conducted more than 100 combat patrols, participated in three major operations, were credited with numerous enemy casualties and captured 12 enemy combatants. Of 28 Ohio National Guard troops, 24 earned either the Combat Infantryman or Combat Action Badges.

U.S. and Hungarian troops were recognized with certificates and medals from Gen. Laszlo Tombol, Hungarian chief of defense, and Maj. Gen. Gregory L. Wayt, Ohio adjutant general.

"This unique joint mission marks an important milestone in our partnership with Hungary," Wayt said. "The troops performed admirably and truly represented the professionalism and dedication of the Ohio National Guard."

Following the ceremony, returning troops marched along the main street where hundreds of Hungarian community members cheered their return. Afterward the troops, family members, government officials and military leaders were invited inside the Municipal Museum of Szolnok for a private ceremony, hors d'oeuvres and refreshments.

This is the first OMLT to return of four such missions the Ohio National Guard is supporting this year. Currently, 54 OMLTs are operating in all five regions of Afghanistan. The Ohio National Guard's support of this mission is essential to completing the necessary training needed by the ANA.

• Date Taken: 08.17.2009
• Date Posted: 08.25.2009 14:56
• Story ID: 37944