HARTFORD, Conn. – The Connecticut National Guard will welcome home members of Headquarters Company, 1-169th Aviation Regiment in a ceremony at the State Armory in Hartford on Saturday, April 30, 2022.
What: Welcome Home Ceremony for Headquarters Company, 1-169th Aviation Regiment
Who: Over 50 Soldiers and their Families, CTNG leadership
Where: Hartford Armory, 360 Broad St. Hartford, CT 06105
When: 10:00 a.m., Saturday, April 30, 2022
Visuals: Formations of Soldiers, military band, remarks, award presentations
RSVP: Maj. Dave Pytlik, (860) 883-5336 or David.c.pytlik.mil@army.mil
Headquartered in Windsor Locks, Conn., the 1-169th Aviation Regiment deployed to the Balkans as part of NATO’s Kosovo Force (better known as KFOR) mission. Their mission was to assist an international effort to maintain a safe and secure environment in Kosovo. Launched in 1999, the mission is supported by 3,600 service members representing 28 countries.
The 1-169th Aviation Regiment’s responsibilities on the almost year-long deployment included: command and control, supervision, staff planning, personnel service and logistical support for all units assigned or attached to the 1-169th Aviation Regiment.
“I am incredibly pleased to welcome home the Soldiers of 1-169 Aviation after nearly a year in Kosovo maintaining and promoting regional stability,” said Maj. Gen. Francis J. Evon Jr., adjutant general of the Connecticut National Guard. “This was not the first deployment to Kosovo for many of them. I thank them for their hard work and sacrifice, and I thank their families who took on the full responsibility of maintaining the home front while their loved one’s answered the nation’s call to duty.”
“On behalf of the State of Connecticut, I extend my gratitude to the 1-169th Aviation Regiment on their deployment and I am proud to welcome them safely back home after a job well done,” Governor Ned Lamont said. “Deploying overseas is a significant sacrifice, not only for the soldiers but also for their families. Those who serve in the Connecticut National Guard are among the best in the nation, and I thank them for representing our state with dignity, courage, and strength.”
“I am delighted that the men and women of the Soldiers of 1-169 Aviation are finally returning home,” said Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz. “Their dedication to our state and country leaves me with great pride and incredible gratitude. After months away from their families and loved ones, we are proud to have them home. There will never be enough words to thank them for their service.”