U.S. Senator Mark Begich Thursday issued the following statement welcoming home to Alaska members of the 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division.

The 4/25 has been deployed in Eastern Afghanistan for a 10-month combat tour and is returning to Alaska in waves throughout September and October.

“The members of the 4/25 have carried out their mission with honor and dignity, and their service is a credit to all Alaskans,” said Begich. “To the unit and the families of those 4/25 members that were lost on this deployment I extend our deepest sympathy and our commitment to never forget what they have sacrificed.”

“We must remember to recognize the family members who stood by these soldiers and made their service possible. I join with families statewide in looking forward to the return of all of Alaska’s military personnel deployed in Afghanistan as the drawdown of U.S. military operations in Afghanistan continues. Thank you, Spartans!”