Fayetteville Today

Soldiers from Fort Bragg, North Carolina, who were deployed to Europe to help with the Ukraine situation, returned to their base Tuesday and were greeted by Secretary of Defense, Lloyd Austin III.

Austin told the soldiers, assigned to the 18th Airborne Division, that the United States appreciates their service in support of NATO allies.

"Soldiers typically don't get the opportunity to meet with somebody as high as the secretary of defense, so it's very meaningful that we actually get the opportunity and our families get the opportunity to have the discussion,” Maj. Nicolle Collins, said in a WTVD report.

Austin mingled with soldiers and their families. He also participated in a roundtable discussion with military spouses and received unit briefings from various commanders, according to WTVD.

The homecoming also gave soldiers a chance to talk about their accomplishments in Europe.

"It was nice to work with our NATO Allies,” said Staff Sgt. Thomas Tran. “We have a lot of NATO allies that I've never worked with before, so it was nice to learn the way that they function, the way that they operate day to day."

Sgt. Erin Conway said she appreciated the support for the mission.

“I’m very grateful for the public support and the American people's support, of course as all soldiers are,” Conway said. “I’m very proud to be a part of the United States Army, and I'm very proud to be a part of something so historic.”

During his visit, Austin selected 10 soldiers to receive special challenge coins for their achievements, WTVD reported.  

Austin was sworn in as the 28th secretary of defense on Jan. 22, 2021. He is the first African American to serve in the position.

He served as part of the 18th Airborne at Fort Bragg during his 41-year Army career, according to WTVD.