All Vermont National Guard Troops have left Kabul’s international airport, according to a tweet by the Guard.
“All Task Force Avalanche Soldiers have returned from [Hamid Karzai International Airport], Afghanistan,” the tweet said. “The work that these #mountainsoldiers have done to assist in this generational event is nothing short of amazing. We couldn’t be more proud of their efforts and their accomplishments. #ascendtovictory”.
Task Force Avalanche — made up of soldiers from Vermont and several other states, including New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Colorado — deployed to U.S. Central Command locations in February. They primarily serve “Operation Spartan Shield,” which provides a U.S. military presence in Southwest Asia.
Members of the Vermont National Guard arrived at Kabul Airport earlier this month to support security efforts. No one was reportedly killed or injured by the attack on the airport that killed 13 Americans.
All the Vermonters at the airport were from the 3rd Battalion, 172nd Infantry (Mountain) and the 86th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Mountain).
All Task Force Avalanche Soldiers have returned safely from HKIA, Afghanistan. The work that these #mountiansoldiers have done to assist in this generational event is nothing short of amazing. We couldn’t be more proud of their efforts and accomplishments. #ascendtovictory pic.twitter.com/1DDZwqboZx
— Vermont National Guard (@VTNationalGuard) August 30, 2021
They returned Sunday to their previously deployed locations around U.S. Central Command, Major Scott Detweiler, public affairs officer for the Vermont National Guard, said in a telephone interview Monday.
The Vermonters are out just before President Joe Biden’s deadline for pulling all American troops out of Kabul Airport by Tuesday.
About a platoon’s worth of soldiers, fewer than 15 total, deployed to Kabul Airport, Detweiler said.
