Oregon Guard Company Returning From Iraq Saturday is Army Aviation Unit of The Year

(Salem) - Six of nine Soldiers from A Company 249 Aviation, Oregon Army National Guard, will return to Oregon Saturday after serving one year in Balad, Iraq.

These Soldiers return to Oregon as recipients of a distinguished award for their efforts in the war theatre. A Company 249 Aviation has been selected as the Army Aviation Fixed Wing Unit of the Year.

A/249 Aviation Company is made up of four detachments from four states including Oregon. The unit was mobilized in December 2004 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

A/249 soldiers flew more than 1000 missions in Iraq in C-23 Sherpas logging approximately 5207 flight hours and transporting more than 4 million pounds of cargo. A number of equipment modifications were identified to increase the survivability of the C-23 aircraft and enhance safety and situational awareness.

Two of the key modifications included Ballistic Blankets which help protect the aircraft from small arms fire and aircraft survivability equipment.

"I was very excited for the unit, it's a great honor," said Colonel Tim Kelly, State Army Aviation Officer for the Oregon National Guard. "They have worked real hard over there and deserve recognition for what they've done," added Kelly.

This is the second Army Aviation Unit of the Year Award for the Oregon National Guard. The 1042nd Medical Company Air Ambulance received this award in 2002.

The following Oregon National Guard Soldiers make up Alpha 249th Aviation Company:

SSG Christopher Brown “ Salem SFC Richard Fields “ Salem SGT Michael Hagerman “ Milton Freewater CW4 David Larson “ Independence CW3 Daniel McCarron “ Dallas CW4 Joseph Mollahan “ McMinnville SSG John Mueller “ Molalla CPT Devin Wickenhagen “ Portland CW4 Paul Zenchenko “ Coos Bay

The families will meet their Soldiers at the Portland airport Saturday and they will be released to go directly home. The Soldiers will then report back to the Army Aviation Facility in Salem on Sunday morning.