Community, friends and family of 2nd Battalion, 135th Infantry gathered in West St. Paul on July 10 to officially Welcome Home the unit's return from a 12-month deployment in support of the Kosovo International Security Force (KFOR) and NATO peacekeeping operations in Kosovo. 400 Soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 135th Infantry conducted peacekeeping operations in Kosovo as part of "Task Force Bayonet," and were instrumental in keeping peace during that nation's declaration of Independence.
Members of the Patriot Guard line the road with American flags to welcome home 2-135 Soldiers at the South St. Paul Armory July 10, 2008. The Soldiers were deployed to Kosovo as part of Task Force Bayonet, and were deployed for 9 months.
Aaron Kabat holds a sign welcoming his father, SPC John Kabat, 2-135, home while his mother, Mandie, takes picutres during a return ceremony at the South St. Paul Armory July 10, 2008. The Soldiers were deployed to Kosovo as part of Task Force Bayonet, and were deployed for 9 months.
A family member of a Soldier lifts a sign high to welcome home her 2-135 Soldier at the South St. Paul Armory July 10, 2008. The Soldiers were deployed to Kosovo as part of Task Force Bayonet, and were deployed for 9 months.
Families cheer as Soldiers step off the bus during a welcome home ceremony at the South St. Paul Armory July 10, 2008. The Soldiers were deployed to Kosovo as part of Task Force Bayonet, and were deployed for 9 months.
Family members of Soldiers welcome home their 2-135 Soldiers at the South St. Paul Armory July 10, 2008. The Soldiers were deployed to Kosovo as part of Task Force Bayonet, and were deployed for 9 months.
Soldiers and families race to each other after the "dismissed" during a welcome home ceremony at the South St. Paul Armory July 10, 2008. The Soldiers were deployed to Kosovo as part of Task Force Bayonet, and were deployed for 9 months.
SPC George Bryant, 2-135, leads his wife Elizabeth and 17-month-old son Logan to their car after a welcome home ceremony at the South St. Paul Armory July 10, 2008. The Soldiers were deployed to Kosovo as part of Task Force Bayonet, and were deployed for 9 months.
SSG Chad Blake, 2-135, holds his daughter Reese, 4, after being dismissed during a welcome home ceremony at the South St. Paul Armory July 10, 2008. The Soldiers were deployed to Kosovo as part of Task Force Bayonet, and were deployed for 9 months.
SPC John Kabat, 2-135, hugs his wife Mandie and son Aaronafter being dismissed during a return ceremony at the South St. Paul Armory July 10, 2008. The Soldiers were deployed to Kosovo as part of Task Force Bayonet, and were deployed for 9 months.
Children run with American Flags in their hands while waiting for Soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 135th Infantry July 10 in Rochester, Minn. The Soldiers are returning after a year-long mobilization to conduct peacekeeping operations in Kosovo.
Friends and family of Soldiers from B Company, 2nd Battalion, 135th Infantry display signs and cheer for their returning Soldiers during a welcome home ceremony July 10 in Rochester, Minn. The Soldiers are returning after a year-long mobilization to conduct peacekeeping operations in Kosovo.
Sgt. Kyle Laganiere, B Company, 2nd Battalion, 135th Infantry hugs his girlfriend, Shakita Phillips during a welcome home ceremony July 10 in Rochester, Minn. The Soldiers are returning after a year-long mobilization to conduct peacekeeping operations in Kosovo.
Soldiers from B Company, 2nd Battalion, 135th Infantry return the armory while being greeted by friends and family during a welcome home ceremony July 10 in Rochester, Minn. The Soldiers are returning after a year-long mobilization to conduct peacekeeping operations in Kosovo.
Soldiers from Company B, 2nd Battalion, 135th Infantry form in their platoons for an official dismissal during a welcome home ceremony July 10 in Rochester, Minn. The Soldiers are returning after a year-long mobilization to conduct peacekeeping operations in Kosovo.
A Soldier from the 2nd Battalion, 135th Infantry holds his daughter during a welcome home ceremony July 10 in Mankato, Minn. The Soldiers are returning after a year-long mobilization to conduct peacekeeping operations in Kosovo.
Family members wait for Soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 135th Infantry before a welcome home ceremony July 10 in Mankato, Albert Lea, Austin, Rochester, Minn. The Soldiers are returning after a year-long mobilization to conduct peacekeeping operations in Kosovo.
Family members wait for Soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 135th Infantry before a welcome home ceremony July 10 in Albert Lea, Minn. The Soldiers are returning after a year-long mobilization to conduct peacekeeping operations in Kosovo.
Soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 135th Infantry exit the bus and enter the armory while being greeted by friends, family and community members during a welcome home ceremony July 10 in Albert Lea, Minn. The Soldiers are returning after a year-long mobilization to conduct peacekeeping operations in Kosovo.
Soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 135th Infantry exit the bus and enter the armory for a welcome home ceremony July 10 in Albert Lea, Minn. The Soldiers are returning after a year-long mobilization to conduct peacekeeping operations in Kosovo.
Soldiers from Company D, 2nd Battalion, 135th Infantry line up in formation during a welcome home ceremony July 10 in Albert Lea, Minn. The Soldiers are returning after a year-long mobilization to conduct peacekeeping operations in Kosovo.
A Soldier from the 2nd Battalion, 135th Infantry holds his child during a welcome home ceremony July 10 in Albert Lea, Minn. The Soldiers are returning after a year-long mobilization to conduct peacekeeping operations in Kosovo.
A Soldier from the 2nd Battalion, 135th Infantry plays with his son during a welcome home ceremony July 10 in Albert Lea, Minn. The Soldiers are returning after a year-long mobilization to conduct peacekeeping operations in Kosovo.
