Maine soldiers return from Washington

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BANGOR, MAINE (03/15/2021) (readMedia)-- The Maine National Guard completed its security mission in the nation's capital with the return of its second group of soldiers on March 14, 2021.

"Maine's soldiers represented their state well, working diligently around the clock, providing roving and static patrols around the Capitol," said Capt. Garrett Clark, commander of Waterville's 488th Military Police Company, and officer-in-charge for the group. "Seventy-six soldiers from eight different units around the state joined 20-plus states on this unprecedented mission, and they are eager to return to their families and friends."

"We're immensely grateful not only to our soldiers, but to their families and employers as well," said Maj. Gen. Douglas Farnham, Maine's adjutant general. "Between supporting the COVID response here at home, assisting in Washington D.C., and deploying soldiers and airmen overseas, our men and women are hard at work."

The Maine National Guard responded twice to requests for assistance in Washington. The first wave of approximately 200 soldiers departed January 16, 2021, and returned on January 26. A second group departed January 26, and combined with about a dozen soldiers from the first group who volunteered to remain on duty, continued to provide security in Washington until this past weekend.

The unit was returned home on KC-135 aircraft from the 101st Air Refueling Wing, based in Bangor.

Captions:

001 – Maj. Gen. Douglas Farnham, Maine's adjutant general, and Command Sgt. Maj. Brian Dill, state command sergeant major, greet Capt. Garrett Clark, commander of the 488th Military Police Company on the gangway as airmen from the 101st Air Refueling Wing begin to unload the KC-135 aircraft. The 101st transported approximately 75 soldiers from Washington, D.C. back to Maine March 14, 2021, after they completed their security mission to the nation's capital. Maine Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Travis Hill

002 – Soldiers returning to Maine from Washington, D.C. unload their gear March 14, 2021, at the 101st Air Refueling Wing in Bangor, Maine. Approximately 75 soldiers returned home as the Maine National Guard wrapped up its support mission in the wake of the 59th Presidential Inauguration. Maine Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Travis Hill.

003 – Soldiers and airmen unload gear March 14, 2021, at the 101st Air Refueling Wing in Bangor, Maine. Approximately 75 soldiers returned home as the Maine National Guard wrapped up its support mission in the wake of the 59th Presidential Inauguration. Maine Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Travis Hill.

004 - Soldiers and airmen unload gear March 14, 2021, at the 101st Air Refueling Wing in Bangor, Maine. Approximately 75 soldiers returned home as the Maine National Guard wrapped up its support mission in the wake of the 59th Presidential Inauguration. Maine Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Travis Hill.

005 - Soldiers of the 488th Military Police Company appear on the steps of the U.S. Capitol prior to completing their security mission in Washington D.C. Photo courtesy of Capt. Garrett Clark