New Mexico Minuteman - Spring 2012 - Keep Trees

111th 111 Soldiers
complete mission
in Kosovo
By Joseph Vigil
Public Affairs Specialist,
New Mexico National Guard
National Guard families received an
early holiday gift when Soldiers of the
111th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade
completed their mission and returned home
from their deployment in Kosovo in time to
spend the holidays with their loved ones.
The Soldiers arrived in New Mexico early
on Dec. 19, 2011, after completing a one-year
deployment. Family, friends and well-wishers
greeted Soldiers with hugs, kisses and handshakes
at the welcome home ceremony on
Dec. 20, 2011, at the Santa Ana Star Center, Rio Rancho, with a
similar ceremony being held in Las Cruces.
The 111th, which consisted of Soldiers from Albuquerque, Rio
Rancho, Las Cruces, Roswell and Santa Fe, served in Kosovo for
a peacekeeping mission that began after the late 1990s war that
tore apart much of the former Yugoslavia with sectarian violence
between ethnic Albanians and Serbs.
Leaders from the international community were surprised about
the violence that took place there during the summer. That violence
included a serious confl ict in September when 111th Soldiers prevented
a Serbian mob from breaking through a border crossing and
potentially killing a group of German soldiers on the NATO team.
“Our Soldiers’ handling of the Kosovo confl ict drew praise from
U.S. military leaders based around the world,” said Maj. Gen.
Kenny C. Montoya, Adjutant General of the NMNG. “The troops
potentially stopped a new Kosovo war by managing confl ict
situations without lethal force.”
“More destruction and killings were stopped because of the
maturity and professionalism of the Soldiers in front of you today,”
added Montoya.
Unit offi cials said Kosovo had last experienced serious violence
in 2004.
Sen. Tom Udall welcomed home the troops as well and thanked
them for their service to our nation. “You are our heroes, and New
Mexico will be forever grateful,” he said.
Both Montoya and Col. Michael Schwartz, KFOR 14 Task
Force commander thanked both the Soldiers and families for
their sacrifi ces during this deployment and apologized for their
yearlong absence.
“I wish we could give you back the time we took away from
your families—the birth of a newborn, babies’ fi rst steps, your
6 NEW MEXICO Minuteman / Spring 2012
teens’ fi rst proms, games and graduations,” said Montoya. “You
answered the call and did it better than anyone else. Thank you.”
“You had a void in your life and you made sacrifi ces,” Schwartz
said. “We will never forget what you have done for us. I am proud
of you for exceeding all expectations.”
Sgt. 1st Class Ronette Martinez was welcomed back by her
husband Eugene, their fi ve children, and her father and grandfather,
both veterans. “Working as a police offi cer and taking care of
our children was challenging,” said Eugene. “It is unbelievable to
see her again, and it will be good to hear the word ‘Mom’ again in
our house.”
Schwartz and Command Sgt. Major Abel Villesca removed the
ceremonial yellow ribbon from the tree. Montoya declared, “Your
mission is now complete. Welcome home.”