Every Friday, across communities large and small, Americans pause to remember the quiet force that protects them—the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces still serving far from home. This is the meaning of RED Friday: Remember Everyone Deployed. It is not a slogan. It is a vow.
The world doesn’t stop spinning because someone’s child is on patrol in the desert. The calendar doesn’t freeze when a spouse is flying missions over conflict zones. The phone doesn’t always ring. Yet every day, they carry out their duty—with no parade, no pause, and no comfort beyond the knowledge that their nation stands behind them.
This week, thousands of families across Oregon, Illinois, and Maryland welcomed their Soldiers home after months of service in some of the world’s most challenging environments. Their missions—logistics, sustainment, peacekeeping, coordination—may not make headlines, but they are the bedrock of military strength. Yet even as some return, many more remain deployed across the globe—working through heat, distance, danger, and uncertainty.
RED Friday exists for them.
We wear red not out of routine, but out of respect. It is the color of resolve. It is the uniform of a grateful nation that refuses to forget. It’s a quiet nod in the checkout line, a powerful message in a classroom, a signal in the crowd: You are not alone. We see you. We remember you.
To the families waiting—know that your strength is seen. To the service members deployed—know that your sacrifice echoes here, in every town, in every heart that chooses to remember.
So today, and every Friday, we stand together in red. Not because we’re asked. But because we owe it.
Oregon’s 2nd Battalion, 218th Field Artillery Regiment Returns from Middle East Deployment
2 August 2025
After a year of steadfast service in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Soldiers from the Oregon Army National Guard’s 2nd Battalion, 218th Field Artillery Regiment have returned home. Their mission, which began in 2023, involved providing fire support coordination and sustainment support across multiple forward operating areas in the Middle East—enhancing operational readiness for joint and coalition forces.
Headquartered in Forest Grove and with units across Oregon, the 2-218th Field Artillery is a key element of the Oregon Army National Guard’s 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team. Known for their historic lineage and combat-tested professionalism, these Soldiers deployed with Task Force Grizzly, a multi-component unit formed to carry out theater-level missions under U.S. Army Central Command.
During their 12-month deployment, the artillery unit operated in support of Operation Spartan Shield and other ongoing efforts within CENTCOM’s jurisdiction. Rather than firing cannons, their mission this time focused on fire direction planning, base defense coordination, logistical support, and multinational training exercises. These vital behind-the-scenes contributions ensured that active combat units remained prepared, resupplied, and protected in some of the most complex operational environments in the world.
Task Force Grizzly’s responsibilities included managing indirect fire assets, air defense integration, and operational sustainment hubs for U.S. and allied personnel stationed across the region. The Oregon Guardsmen often served shoulder-to-shoulder with forces from Kuwait, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates—strengthening U.S. partnerships through interoperability and shared training.
Their return home marks not only the end of deployment but also the reintegration of dozens of Soldiers into Oregon communities, schools, first responder roles, and civilian careers. Families gathered to greet them with overwhelming pride at multiple Oregon National Guard armories, knowing these Guardsmen fulfilled a mission few see but many depend on.
As the 2-218th Field Artillery Regiment returns to its citizen-soldier duties at home, their professionalism and sacrifice abroad leave a lasting impact on global operations and regional stability. Their presence ensured U.S. deterrence efforts stayed strong, partner forces stayed trained, and the forward line of defense remained secure.
Welcome home to the warriors of the Oregon Army National Guard. You’ve upheld the mission with excellence, and your service is deeply honored.
Illinois National Guard Soldiers Return to Sullivan After Successful Overseas Deployment
3 August 2025
On Sunday, August 3rd, Soldiers from the Illinois Army National Guard were welcomed home to Sullivan, Illinois, following the completion of an overseas deployment that showcased the enduring strength and flexibility of the citizen-soldier force. These Guardsmen had spent months serving in support of U.S. missions abroad, contributing to critical regional stability operations alongside allies and coalition partners.
Hailing from the Sullivan-based unit of the Illinois Army National Guard’s 232nd Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, the returning Soldiers carried out essential logistical and sustainment operations across the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. Their mission ensured that troops on the ground had access to everything from fuel and munitions to food, repair parts, and medical supplies—lifelines that keep deployed forces operational.
Although based in a small Illinois town, these Guardsmen operated in some of the world’s most dynamic environments. Their responsibilities included supply chain coordination, convoy operations, and support hub management in collaboration with both U.S. and multinational forces. Whether transporting supplies through desert terrain or managing base-level sustainment efforts, the Soldiers of Sullivan met every challenge with professionalism and resolve.
The return of these Soldiers marks not only the end of a deployment but a reintegration into civilian life—resuming roles as farmers, teachers, mechanics, students, and first responders. Their dual commitment to community and country is a hallmark of the National Guard’s unique mission, bridging the gap between local service and global responsibility.
Family, friends, and neighbors gathered in celebration at the Sullivan National Guard Armory, waving flags and holding hand-painted signs. The emotion in the room reflected months of longing, sacrifice, and unwavering support on the home front. For the community, this homecoming wasn’t just about the return of loved ones—it was about honoring those who stepped away from everyday life to serve with courage and conviction abroad.
As they rejoin their families and careers, the Guardsmen of Sullivan carry with them the pride of having contributed meaningfully to U.S. efforts overseas—part of a long legacy of small-town service with global impact.
Maryland Army National Guard Welcomes Aviation Support Soldiers Home from Kuwait
On August 3, 2025, the Maryland Army National Guard celebrated the return of its aviation sustainment Soldiers following a successful overseas deployment to Kuwait. The returning troops, part of the 1100th Theater Aviation Sustainment Maintenance Group (TASMG), completed a months-long mission in support of U.S. Army aviation operations across the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.
Headquartered in Edgewood, Maryland, the 1100th TASMG specializes in aircraft maintenance and logistics, serving as one of only four such groups in the entire U.S. Army. While deployed, these Guardsmen provided high-level sustainment support to rotary-wing aircraft such as UH-60 Black Hawks, CH-47 Chinooks, and AH-64 Apaches—performing critical maintenance, inspections, and part replacements to keep the Army’s aviation fleet flying safely and reliably in harsh desert conditions.
Their mission in Kuwait included direct support for operations within Camp Buehring and other forward locations. Working alongside active-duty counterparts and coalition partners, the unit ensured operational aviation readiness across a high-tempo environment. Their efforts allowed combat aviation brigades to continue tactical movement, medical evacuation, reconnaissance, and resupply missions without interruption.
Beyond wrench-turning and diagnostics, the Soldiers also played a crucial role in managing aviation logistics networks, shipping critical parts, and maintaining the electronic systems that track aircraft lifecycle data. The precision and expertise they brought to the mission had far-reaching effects, extending aviation reach across CENTCOM’s operational footprint.
The unit’s return home was marked by an emotional welcome ceremony attended by families, veterans, and Maryland Guard leadership. Their homecoming was not only a return to loved ones but also a return to civilian roles—many of these Soldiers work in aircraft maintenance, IT, public safety, and technical trades within the state.
The Maryland National Guard’s aviation sustainment mission highlights a lesser-seen but vital part of the military machine: the professionals who keep helicopters mission-ready and safe to fly. Their success in Kuwait strengthens U.S. force projection and ensures that frontline aviation units operate with confidence, precision, and speed.
