Soldiers return to the Rogue Valley after months in Afghanistan

Medford, Ore. — After nearly a year in Afghanistan 70 National Guard soldiers returned to the Rogue Valley where they were greeted by loved ones.

Medford Patriot Guard and Medford Police escorted the soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 186th Infantry to the Medford Armory where family and friends waited. Some even met newborn sons and daughters for the first time.

The men were deployed last July where they provided security missions. They were able to come home early due to continuous draw downs. The rest of the battalion is scheduled to return in June.