As Friday dawns once more, communities across America pause to honor a quiet but steadfast commitment—one worn in boots far from home, under skies unfamiliar, in service of something far greater than self. This is RED Friday. A day to Remember Everyone Deployed, not just in passing sentiment, but with full recognition of the sacrifices made by our nation’s Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, Coast Guardsmen, and Guardians standing watch around the world.
From remote outposts in the Balkans to sprawling logistics hubs in the Middle East, and from the decks of aircraft carriers crossing international straits to command centers coordinating coalition missions, American service members continue their relentless work. Their duty doesn’t pause for weekends or holidays. It remains constant—through hardship, through heat, through uncertainty.
This week, the Connecticut Veterans Bulletin honors those who have recently returned and those still forward-deployed. We mark the safe homecoming of units like Oregon’s 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team, whose year-long deployment in Kosovo supported NATO’s longest-running peacekeeping mission. We welcome Nevada’s 17th Sustainment Brigade back to the Silver State after months of orchestrating vital logistical operations across the Middle East. And we acknowledge the forward momentum of the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group, navigating critical waters in the Mediterranean as part of an enduring commitment to global stability.
But for every flag waved in welcome home ceremonies, there are others still waiting—for a call, a message, a return. RED Friday is for them. For the families who miss birthdays, anniversaries, and quiet daily routines. For the children who fall asleep clutching a parent’s photo. For the spouses who shoulder responsibilities in silence. And for the warriors themselves—who serve without headlines, but with honor.
Each red shirt worn today is more than fabric. It is a promise. A visible thread in a nationwide fabric of gratitude, unity, and unwavering support.
So today, and every Friday, let us wear red boldly—not because we must, but because we choose to stand with those who stand for us.
We remember everyone deployed. And we always will.
Ford Strike Group Enters Mediterranean with Spanish Navy Escort Through Gibraltar Strait
The U.S. Navy’s most advanced carrier strike group entered the Mediterranean Sea alongside a trusted NATO ally, marking a powerful show of coordination and maritime superiority. The Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group (GRFCSG), operating under the U.S. Sixth Fleet, transited the strategic Strait of Gibraltar in formation with the Spanish Navy’s ESPS Canarias (F86)—a joint maneuver designed to reaffirm freedom of navigation and bolster regional security.
The USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), flagship of Carrier Strike Group 12, led the multi-ship transit through one of the world’s most vital maritime chokepoints. As a gateway between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean, the Strait of Gibraltar is a heavily trafficked and geopolitically sensitive corridor—just eight miles wide at its narrowest point and constantly under international scrutiny.
Accompanying the Ford during this critical passage was the ESPS Canarias, a Santa María-class guided-missile frigate. The Spanish warship played an integral role in coordinated maneuvering and regional awareness, serving as a visible reminder of the strong military alliance between the United States and Spain. The operation emphasized NATO’s emphasis on readiness, interoperability, and the seamless integration of allied maritime forces.
Carrier Strike Group 12 is comprised not only of the Gerald R. Ford but also includes destroyers assigned from Destroyer Squadron 2, including the USS Ramage (DDG 61) and USS McFaul (DDG 74). These ships have conducted layered defense and operational patrols throughout their deployment, contributing to the carrier group’s mission of sustained deterrence and global responsiveness.
The Ford’s arrival in the Mediterranean signals a strategic shift in posture, allowing for direct support to NATO operations, ongoing deterrence missions, and joint exercises with regional partners. Spain, as a key ally, continues to serve as a logistical and operational hub for U.S. naval forces, with Rota Naval Base playing a critical role in regional force projection and resupply.
For Sailors aboard both U.S. and Spanish vessels, the transit wasn’t just a navigation milestone—it was a statement of collective resolve. From NATO-led operations to independent security patrols, the partnership between the United States and Spain continues to underpin maritime stability in Europe and beyond.
This successful transit through the Strait of Gibraltar exemplifies how allied naval forces remain vigilant and united, ensuring open sea lanes, deterring malign activity, and upholding international maritime law.
Oregon National Guard’s 41st Infantry Brigade Returns from Kosovo Peacekeeping Mission
After a year of dedicated overseas service, Soldiers from the Oregon Army National Guard’s 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT) have returned home to Clackamas, Oregon. Their July 19 homecoming marked the end of a successful deployment to Kosovo, where they served as part of NATO’s Kosovo Force (KFOR)—a peacekeeping mission that continues to play a critical role in regional stability in the Western Balkans.
More than 400 Soldiers from the 41st IBCT deployed in 2023 as part of KFOR 31, representing the United States within a multinational force committed to maintaining safety and security in the Republic of Kosovo. Their mission focused on ensuring freedom of movement and supporting a safe environment for all people living in the region—one still marked by the legacies of past conflict and ongoing political sensitivities.
While serving in Kosovo, Oregon Guardsmen worked closely with military personnel from more than 25 other allied and partner nations. They conducted joint patrols, monitored critical infrastructure, facilitated de-escalation between local communities, and supported diplomatic and civil efforts to promote peace. Their presence played a vital part in deterring violence and strengthening NATO’s ongoing engagement in southeastern Europe.
The 41st IBCT, headquartered in Oregon, includes units from across the Pacific Northwest. As a modular infantry brigade, it brings a full complement of maneuver, artillery, engineering, and support capabilities. During their time in Kosovo, brigade elements operated under U.S. Army Europe and Africa’s operational command, coordinating with NATO command structures to deliver around-the-clock readiness.
Soldiers returning to Clackamas were welcomed by families, fellow Guardsmen, and state leadership in a reunion filled with emotion and gratitude. Their return is not just a conclusion of deployment—it represents a continuation of Oregon’s longstanding commitment to global security and the peacekeeping responsibilities undertaken by the National Guard across the world.
The mission in Kosovo remains one of NATO’s longest-standing operations, and the participation of the Oregon National Guard reaffirms America’s dedication to alliance objectives, rule of law, and international cooperation. The 41st IBCT now transitions back to state-side responsibilities, continuing its dual mission as both a combat-ready unit for federal deployments and a vital force for homeland emergency response.
Welcome home to the brave men and women of the 41st IBCT. Your service in Kosovo stands as a shining example of the National Guard’s role in promoting peace abroad while remaining always ready, always there.
Nevada Army National Guard’s 17th Sustainment Brigade Returns from Middle East Logistics Mission
After nearly a year of executing large-scale logistics support throughout the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, more than 200 Soldiers from the Nevada Army National Guard’s 17th Sustainment Brigade are returning home to Las Vegas. Their deployment, which began in September 2024, marked the successful completion of Task Force Warrior—an essential mission that helped keep U.S. and coalition operations across the Middle East moving with precision and efficiency.
Based out of Las Vegas, the 17th Sustainment Brigade deployed under Task Force Warrior in support of Operation Spartan Shield and other regional logistics operations. Their mission spanned across multiple countries, delivering sustainment support in one of the most complex and active operational theaters in the world. These responsibilities included overseeing transportation assets, managing supply chains, coordinating distribution, and ensuring critical materials and equipment reached forward-deployed units safely and on time.
The Soldiers of the 17th brought with them a unique blend of military discipline and civilian-acquired logistics expertise. As a National Guard sustainment unit, they represent a diverse cross-section of Nevada’s civilian population—truck drivers, warehouse operators, planners, and supply professionals who took on a combat support role far from home and executed it with excellence.
During the deployment, Task Force Warrior worked in joint and coalition environments, managing high-tempo operations that supported everything from combat units to humanitarian assistance missions. Their presence enhanced operational reach and readiness for forces stationed throughout the region, contributing directly to mission success across CENTCOM’s wide area of responsibility.
The safe and successful return of the brigade is a proud moment for Nevada, as families and fellow Guardsmen welcome home the Soldiers who served with professionalism and distinction. Their efforts not only reflect the capabilities of the 17th Sustainment Brigade but also highlight the National Guard’s essential role in today’s global military operations.
Now back in the Silver State, the Soldiers of the 17th Sustainment Brigade resume their dual mission—prepared for both overseas contingencies and emergency response efforts at home. Their return brings not only a sense of relief and joy but also a deepened appreciation for the behind-the-scenes warriors who keep the U.S. military supplied, equipped, and operational.
