Connecticut National Guard hosts welcome home ceremony for 1-102nd Infantry
The 1-102nd spent nearly a year deployed to various locations across the Middle East, operating at twenty different locations in seven different counties, performing a variety of critical missions, including strategic site security, convoy escort, counter-drone operations, and force protection across the theater.
“More than 500 Connecticut Guardsmen left this state last October and spent nearly a year in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility,” said Maj. Gen. Francis J. Evon, Jr., the adjutant general for the Connecticut National Guard. “This unit wasn’t handed this mission. The Army looked at what the job demanded, and it chose the 1st Battalion, 102nd Infantry, because no one had to wonder whether the Iron Grays could handle it.”
“We are thrilled to welcome home the 1st Battalion, 102nd Infantry Regiment after a yearlong deployment, representing Connecticut with honor and integrity on behalf of our nation,” said Governor Ned Lamont. “They spent many, many days away from their homes and loved ones, and our entire state is thankful for the sacrifices they have made over this last year.”
The 1-102nd’s training and resolve was put to the test after the United States entered Operation Epic Fury on February 28, 2026. The unit’s mission was modified to support the new contingency mission.
“When you call the National Guard, you call out America,” said Sen. Richard Blumenthal. “When you call out the Connecticut National Guard, you call out the best of America.”
During the event, the Soldiers of the 1-102nd were awarded their end of tour awards, which included 46 Bronze Star Medals, 412 Army Commendation Medals with “C” device, 79 Army Achievement Medals with “C” device, 6 Purple Heart medals, 250 Combat Infantry Badges, 15 Combat Medic Badges, and 205 Combat Action Badges.
Those awarded the Combat Infantry Badges include Spc. Sashen Clarke, of Bravo Company, and Spc. Lindsay Algi, of Charlie Company, the first two women from the 1-102nd to ever earn the badge.
Soldiers from the 1-102nd came from a diverse background of civilian professions, such as students, teachers, nurses, and state police troopers. But one thing they had in common was the family they left behind. Throughout the deployment, the 1-102nd Soldier and Family Readiness Group volunteered its time to help ease the stresses and burdens for the Solders’ families at home.
That commitment to the home front was honored following the formal portion of the ceremony when Dr. Kim O’Donnell and Jamie Perkins, two spouses of the deployed Soldiers and volunteers with the SFRG, were awarded the Shield of Sparta, an award presented by the National Infantry Association to spouses whose extraordinary sacrifice, selfless service, and dedication significantly supports Soldiers, their families, and the Infantry community.
The 1-102nd Infantry has a rich lineage that dates back to before the Revolutionary War. The regiment’s heritage includes 52 campaign participation credits, eight from the Revolutionary War, 21 from the Civil War, eight from World War I, 13 from World War II, and two from Afghanistan. The unit has also been awarded two Meritorious Unit Commendations from Afghanistan, a Presidential Unit Citation for Luzon in World War II, and A Philippine Presidential Unit Citation earned by the 169th Infantry in World War II.
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