Indiana National Guard Soldiers Return Home After Nearly One Year Deployment

It was a homecoming nearly a year in the making. Soldiers with the Indiana National Guard’s 38th Infantry Division touched down at Evansville Regional Airport on August 19 after serving an almost year-long deployment to the Middle East.

An Emotional Homecoming in Evansville

Inside the terminal, families stood shoulder to shoulder, holding signs and fighting back tears, waiting for the first glimpse of their loved ones. As soldiers rounded the corner, the quiet anticipation turned into a wave of cheers, hugs, and happy tears.

For 3-year-old Stella, the moment couldn’t come soon enough. She spotted her dad, ran full speed into his arms, and said what everyone in the room seemed to feel: “My dada is my best friend.”

The 38th Infantry Division: Indiana’s Own

The 38th Infantry Division is one of just eight Army National Guard divisions across the country, and Indiana is proud to call it home. Known as a tactical-level warfighting headquarters, the division is trained to lead brigade combat teams, functional brigades, and Army forces in operations around the world.

The division’s role goes far beyond international missions. Here at home, the governor can activate the 38th Infantry Division to respond to natural disasters, emergencies, and homeland defense. When called upon by the president, it shifts to federal service to carry out missions across the globe.

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Families Reunited After 11 Long Months

For the soldiers returning to Evansville, the moment was deeply personal. Among those pictured in the emotional reunions were SGT Mario Ricketts, CPT Theodore Jackson, SFC Frolonda Carrington, MAJ Nathan Pitt, SSG Joshua Jones, and MSG Anthony Hoskins.

Rolling Thunder greeted the soldiers with flags, and the Bad Luck Brigade proudly stood alongside families who had waited almost a year for this day.