State Partnership Program

Video by Maj. Chris Heathscott

39th Infantry to Recognize and Honor 10-year Anniversary of Iraq Deployment

77th Combat Aviation Brigade

March 1, 2004 | 3:50

The Arkansas National Guard’s 39th Infantry Brigade Combat Team will host a 10-year reunion in Little Rock, March 22, 2014, for the Veterans of its 2004 deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom II.

The brigade originally mobilized October 12, 2003, and later deployed to Iraq throughout the month of March 2004. Based in Baghdad and Taji, the Soldiers spent the next 12 months tasked with responsibility over the largest area assigned to any brigade in Iraq at the time.

Four Bowie Team Soldiers earned the Silver Star and more than 30 others earned the Bronze Star for valor, while another 300 Bowie Team Soldiers earned the Purple Heart for wounds received in combat. A total of 33 Soldiers lost their life in service to the nation during the deployment. Sixteen of those Soldiers were from Arkansas, while the rest were from various states serving under the 39th brigade’s command.

This video includes b-roll from that deployment along with a one-minute Public Service Announcement to help get the word out to the 4,200 Soldiers from nine states who served on that deployment with the 39th.

This number included 3,000 Soldiers from over 40 units in the 39th Brigade that are spread across the state of Arkansas. It also included 700 Soldiers with the Oregon National Guard's 2nd Battalion, 162nd Infantry.