Each Friday, we come together to remember the service members who wear the uniform and carry out demanding missions around the world. Their work takes them far from home, and their families feel the weight of their absence each day.
This week, three stories highlight both the challenges and successes of America’s armed forces.
In the Caribbean, U.S. forces are expanding their presence in support of a counter-narcotics mission. Their role strengthens regional stability and combats the trafficking networks that threaten security across the Western Hemisphere.
Back home, families in Montana welcomed their loved ones from the Air National Guard after an overseas airlift mission. Their safe return is a reminder that every deployment carries sacrifice but also the hope of reunion.
Meanwhile, in Europe, the Massachusetts Army National Guard’s 1060th Transportation Company has returned from its deployment to Poland. Their work supporting NATO logistics operations strengthened alliances and reinforced America’s commitment to partners abroad.
Together, these accounts show the global reach of America’s military—from safeguarding the Caribbean to reinforcing NATO and ensuring critical airlift missions overseas. On this RED Friday, we stand with every service member deployed and with the families who continue to support them until they come home.
U.S. Expands Military Presence in Caribbean as Counter-Narcotics Mission Intensifies
San Juan, Puerto Rico — 8 September 2025. The United States has significantly expanded its military presence in the Caribbean, with senior Pentagon leaders visiting Puerto Rico to underscore the seriousness of an escalating counter-narcotics campaign. What began as training exercises has now shifted to an active operational mission, involving advanced aircraft, naval forces, and hundreds of Marines positioned to disrupt cartel operations in the southern Caribbean.
High-Profile Visit and Strategic Reassurance
Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and senior commanders arrived in Puerto Rico to meet with deployed Sailors and Marines aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD-7). Austin emphasized that the ongoing operation is not a drill but an active campaign designed to protect U.S. interests, disrupt illicit networks, and reinforce regional security.
Force Composition
The buildup includes:
- F-35B Lightning II stealth fighters, deployed to Puerto Rico for rapid-response strike capability.
- Amphibious ready forces from the USS Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, carrying Marines of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU).
- Naval patrol assets conducting maritime security operations across the Caribbean Sea.
Together, these forces provide layered capability for surveillance, interdiction, and deterrence against drug cartels with transnational links.
Mission Objectives
The expanded deployment comes days after U.S. forces targeted a cartel-affiliated vessel in the southern Caribbean. Military leaders framed the operation as both a counter-narcotics mission and a show of regional stability assurance, signaling that the United States will continue to counter transnational criminal organizations where they threaten U.S. security or that of partners.
Regional Impact and Partnership
While the mission is primarily focused on cartel disruption, the operation also strengthens ties with regional partners. Caribbean and Latin American allies are working alongside U.S. assets, sharing intelligence and coordinating maritime patrols.
This evolving mission underscores America’s commitment to the region and highlights the readiness of deployed Sailors and Marines—service members who stand on the front lines of security far from home.
Montana Air Guard Airmen Return Home After Overseas Airlift Mission
Great Falls, Mont. — 6 September 2025. In a heartfelt homecoming ceremony at Great Falls International Airport, more than 130 Airmen from the 120th Airlift Wing, Montana Air National Guard, joyfully reunited with family, friends, and community members after completing a critical overseas mission.
Mission and Deployment Details
The Airmen were assigned to the 406th Air Expeditionary Wing in Southwest Asia, where they performed vital aerial and maintenance duties in support of tactical airlift operations. The 120th AW operated their C-130H Hercules aircraft to deliver essential cargo and personnel, keeping key theaters resupplied and mission-ready.
This deployment marked a historic milestone: it was the last operational deployment for the C-130H model before the Wing transitions to the updated C-130J aircraft beginning in October.
Moments Homespun and Heroic
The emotional anecdotes from returning Airmen spoke volumes. One loadmaster, Codey McDonald, described going to Africa the day after his daughter’s first birthday—and returning to find she was now 15 months old. “There’s not really a better feeling,” he said, tearing up as he held her, recalling how “she couldn’t walk or talk when I left.”
Another Airman, Josh Pijanowski, returned home just in time to tap out his younger brother at basic training, while his family recounted the challenges of long-distance communication and the thrill of reunion.
Community Support & Legacy of Service
Families and community members greeted the returnees with cheers, waves, and heartfelt embraces. “We’re proud to welcome our Airmen home,” said Colonel David Smith, the 120th AW Commander. “Their professionalism and dedication while deployed reflect the best of the Montana Air National Guard. We are grateful to their families and civilian employers for the support that made their mission possible.”
The 120th Airlift Wing—nicknamed the “Vigilantes,” under the Montana ANG—performs a critical dual mission: supporting global Air Expeditionary Forces and standing ready for state emergencies under the governor’s call. Their legacy spans from a fighter-interceptor group in the 1950s to today’s airlift role using the iconic C-130H Hercules in missions far from home.
Massachusetts Guard Soldiers Return from NATO Support Mission in Poland
Zagan, Poland — 5 September 2025. Soldiers of the Massachusetts Army National Guard’s 1060th Transportation Company arrive home after completing a critical deployment to Poland, where they played a key role in supporting NATO logistics and deterrence operations across Eastern Europe.
Mission Detail & Strategic Role
Deployed under Operation European Assure, Deter and Reinforce (EADR)—a U.S. Army Europe and Africa initiative—the 1060th Transportation Company sustained the continuous movement of supplies across eight Eastern European nations. Operating from a forward staging site, these Guardsmen managed daily delivery operations and weeklong hauls through challenging terrain and demanding schedules. Their mission enhanced NATO’s readiness during DEFENDER 25, reinforcing allied cohesion in the face of growing international threats.
Operational Excellence & Adaptation
Captain Jeffrey McNair, serving as the site commander, coordinated with both U.S. and Polish military forces to streamline logistics operations. Despite the challenges of transitioning into a new battalion structure overseas, the company adapted swiftly and accomplished its mission goals efficiently. Their performance strengthened transatlantic trust and operational integration.
Homecoming & Community Support
Back home, families and community leaders gathered to welcome these citizen-Soldiers back to Massachusetts. The 1060th Transportation Company’s return is a testament to the National Guard’s unique dual role—serving both at home and abroad—and the broad support network that sustains these deployments.
