Bragg brigade coming home early

[unhappycamper]

Bragg brigade coming home early
By Kevin Maurer - The Associated Press
Posted : Friday May 16, 2008 11:48:43 EDT

FORT BRAGG, N.C. — The Army’s 82nd Airborne Division’s 1st brigade will return from duty in Iraq in July, an unexpected reduction in the unit’s tour from 15 to 12 months.

When the brigade of 3,500 paratroopers is back in North Carolina, it will mark the first time in three years that the entire division is stationed at its home base.

Maj. Tom Earnhardt, a spokesman for the 82nd, said Friday that 1st brigade will leave Iraq in mid-July and be replaced by the 4th brigade of the 1st Cavalry Division, based at Fort Hood, Texas.

The unit — nicknamed “Devils in Baggy Pants” by a German officer in World War II — is based at Tallil Air Base in southern Iraq but operates all over the country protecting convoys along the roads from Kuwait and Jordan into Baghdad.

“The Devils have performed tremendously well ... and we’re ready to welcome them home,” Earnhardt said. “For a short period, the entire division will be here together and that will be valuable time.”


Rest of article at: http://www.armytimes.com/news/2008/05/ap_82nd_051608/

[aquart]

1. Thank Heaven for small mercies. Welcome home, Devils.

[sofa king]

2. Come home safe, All Americans.

[old mark]

3. I was in the 1st 504 PIR, in 1970-71.

Welcome home.

mark

[unhappycamper]

4. Man, you're OLD.

I was in uncle Sam's Army for about 10 years. I got out in '73 after a few jaunts to Vietnam.

Welcome home, Brother.