Tuesday, March 15, 2016  –  
FORT HOOD, Texas – More than 100 Soldiers with the 366th Chemical Company, 457th Chemical Battalion, 415th Chemical Brigade, 76th Operational Response Command, returned from a nine-month deployment to Kuwait Tuesday morning.

The 76th Operational Response Command Deputy Commanding General, Brig. Gen. James Blankenhorn, was on hand to welcome the Soldiers as they walked down from the chartered airplane.  

“I won’t take up much of your time.  I’m so glad to see each and every one of you, congratulations – job well done!  I’m very proud of you. Your family, friends, and the nation are very proud of you. Thank you for all your sacrifices, you guys are the best!” said Blankenhorn as he addressed the Soldiers during their last 10 minutes at the personnel holding area prior to heading out on the bus to take them to North Fort Hood, where the Soldiers will be housed for the next few weeks.

He also advised the Soldiers that their next mission is transition.  Transitioning back to family and friends, back in school or at work is very important; it is critical that they take their time, and pace themselves.  If they are having problems, that they need to call someone and get help.

While deployed, the Soldiers provided immediate Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear (CBRN) response capability for U.S. Central Command across its area of responsibility, including contingency response to the Levant countries.

The Soldiers will be at Fort Hood for the next several weeks for demobilization. This is a very crucial time because it allows Soldiers to resolve any medical and dental issues, financial, and administrative support prior to their release from active duty. In addition, the Soldiers are offered other benefits and information such as transitional support, chaplain advice, Tricare program, Employer Support of Guard and Reserve (ESGR), Veterans Administration benefits, GI-Bill/Post 911 just to name a few.