‘Bison’ company returns home to Alaska after 9 months deployed to Kuwait

Soldiers from “Bison” company, as they are affectionately known, returned home Saturday after a nine-month deployment to Kuwait.

Approximately 100 Alaska Army National Guardsmen assigned to Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 297th Infantry Regiment were greeted by their families and friends at the Alaska National Guard Readiness Center on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson.

“Stepping off the plane and breathing in that good Alaska air — there’s nothing better than that,” 1st Lt. Joshua Banks of Palmer — sharing his relief at being back in Alaska — said in an Alaska National Guard news release.

Since November 2023, Bison company Guardsmen served as a quick-reaction force to help respond to emergencies and potential threats throughout the region. Originally tasked with four missions, the company successfully managed seven.

“These additional missions brought a plethora of opportunities,” said Capt. Richard Collins, Bison company commander. “We built relationships and collaborated with units and partner nations across Kuwait, Jordan and the United Arab Emirates. Each unit provided a level of training and exposure my soldiers would not have experienced at home.

“Bison Company brought a wealth of experience and skills — a melting pot of talent that made us incredibly agile and adaptable. “They made a lasting impact on the Operation Spartan Shield SECFOR mission.”

Operation Spartan Shield aims to build partner capacity in the Middle East to promote regional self-reliance and increase security among partner nations.

Sgt. Jene Thompson, also a Palmer native, playfully said, “Honey, I’m home,” when asked about her plans upon returning. “I’m planning to surprise them and then just enjoy being together again,” she said.

“I can’t wait for a good home-cooked meal — probably salmon and rice.”