FOREST GROVE, Ore. (Nov 16, 2025) — The Oregon National Guard welcomed home more than 200 Soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 218th Field Artillery Regiment during a formal demobilization ceremony Saturday at Neil Armstrong Middle School in Forest Grove.
Roughly 230 soldiers mobilized as Task Force Defender in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, completing a year-long deployment across eight Short Range Air Defense sites spread throughout Jordan, Iraq and Syria. The unit’s mission focused on countering rockets, artillery, mortars and unmanned aerial systems using both kinetic and non-kinetic methods, while providing crucial warning of incoming threats.
“On behalf of Governor Kotek and the entire Oregon National Guard, it is my honor and privilege to officially say, ‘Welcome Home,’” said Brig. Gen. Alan R. Gronewold, Adjutant General of the Oregon National Guard. “During Task Force Defender, you took on one of the most demanding and technically complex missions in modern warfare. Every single day, American forces, coalition partners, and local populations relied on you for their protection.”
The Soldiers first completed specialized training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, preparing them to operate advanced air-defense systems essential for protecting U.S. and coalition forces overseas.
The 2-218th Field Artillery Regiment has a long record of federal service. Since 9/11, the battalion has deployed repeatedly to the Middle East in support of Operations Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, Spartan Shield and, most recently, Task Force Defender.
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