Utah National Guard soldiers return from year-long Africa mission – KSLTV

LOCAL NEWS
Jan 18, 2025, 3:55 PM
Families welcome home soldiers from the Utah National Guard on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025. (KSL TV)
(KSL TV)
BY BRIAN CARLSON
KSLTV.com
SALT LAKE CITY — Utah families are welcoming home soldiers with the Utah National Guard this weekend. 150 Utah soldiers returned home Saturday from a nearly year-long military mission to Africa. KSL TV was there as their plane arrived and they greeted their families.
Walking off the plane to family anxious for their return, soldiers came home Saturday to hugs long overdue. For loved ones greeting them, it was their best day ever.
“We’re very excited. It’s been a long year, so we’re very excited to have him home,” said Stephanie Brice, wife of a returning soldier.
1st Sgt. Justin Brice was part of the last 150 soldiers with the Utah Army National Guard 204th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, returning Saturday from their 10-month mission to Africa. He said it’s been tough to be away.
“When people talk about the sacrifice the military goes through, I mean that’s it,” Brice said.
The soldiers are happy to be home, but also proud of the service they provided: Establishing security and stability in the Horn of Africa and building embassy relationships.
“I think our team over there did a great job, we were able to get into a couple embassies that we hadn’t been before and make some progress,” said Col. Woodrow Miner, Utah National Guard 204th M.E.B.
For some it was their first deployment.
“Feels good, I’m glad it’s done, but I’d probably do it again as well though,” said Spc. Joshua Haslam, Utah National Guard 204th M.E.B.
Brice comes home to a list of new missions waiting for him.
“Oh yeah, we always have a honey-do list. Haha,” Stephanie Brice said.
The returning soldiers are roughly half of those deployed in that nearly year-long mission. The others returned home to Utah on Christmas Eve. All of them have a lot of catching up to do.
Brian Carlson
Utah families are welcoming home soldiers with the Utah National Guard this weekend. 150 Utah soldiers returned home Saturday from a nearly year-long military mission to Africa.
5 seconds ago
Jacob Freeman
Interstate 15 in Spanish Fork was closed for half an hour on Saturday after a 14-car crash — the second accident with 10 or more vehicles to take place on the freeway on Saturday morning.
47 minutes ago
Daniella Rivera, KSL-TV
A bizarre set of circumstances unfolded in a Provo courtroom this week causing a jury to be sent home mid-trial. The KSL Investigators obtained courtroom audio that sheds light on what happened.
4 hours ago
Alton Barnhart
Snowy weather conditions and struggling vehicles closed down Big Cottonwood Canyon Saturday morning, according to the Utah Department of Transportation.
4 hours ago
Kennedy Camarena, KSL NewsRadio
The Iron County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help in identifying a car used in a shooting on Friday, leading to the death of a 17-year-old.
5 hours ago
Alton Barnhart
A multiple-vehicle wreck closed northbound Interstate 15 in the Draper area Saturday morning.
6 hours ago
Kneaders Bakery & Cafe
Get more out of your time with family and loved ones over the holidays by following these tips for a stress-free season.
PC Laptops
With these tips, choosing the right computer that fits your needs and your budget will be easier than ever.
This Is The Place Heritage Park
The Christkindlmarket is an annual holiday celebration influenced by German traditions and generous giving.
Lighting Design
Read our lighting tips on how to brighten your mood in the winter if you are experiencing seasonal affective disorder.
Appliance Man
Despite many recent closures of local appliance stores, Appliance Man remains Utah’s trusted home appliance business and is here to stay.
Les Olson
Learn more about the common types of social engineering to protect your online or offline assets from an attack.

source

About The Author

admin

See author's posts