Real Hero Report | August 2019 | 21
Storm. The brigade was the only National Guard combat brigade
validated as combat ready; however, hostilities ended before the
brigade could be mobilized overseas.
Elements of the 48th Brigade deployed to Bosnia and
Herzegovina in 2001 for Stabilization Force Rotation 9. The 48th
capability to take over an SFOR mission of this scope.
assigned to Multi-National Division – Baghdad under the 3rd
Infantry Division. During the deployment, units of the 48th
Brigade served from Kuwait to Mosul and west to the border with
Syria. Upon returning from service in Iraq, the 48th Brigade was
redesignated the 48th IBCT.
In 2009, more than 3,000 Soldiers of the 48th IBCT deployed
to Afghanistan. During their year-long deployment, the brigade
conducted combat operations with members of the Afghan
National Police and Army.
In 2013, units of the 48th IBCT returned to Afghanistan. In
the course of the nine-month deployment, 48th IBCT Soldiers in
which soldiers conducted base operations and support including
vital missions such as security and force protection.
The 48th IBCT was selected to participate in Associated
Units Pilot program in March, 2016. The program established a
formal relationship between reserve and active duty components.
The 48th IBCT associated with the active Army’s 3rd Infantry
Division at Fort Stewart. The Soldiers of the 48th IBCT wear the
3rd Infantry Division patch, but retain the historic designation as
the Macon Volunteers.
Family and friends gathered at Fort Stewart, Georgia, July 1, 2019,
support of Operation Freedom Sentinel and NATO Operation Resolute
Support. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Shye Wilborn)
Governor Brian Kemp, The Adjutant General of Georgia, Major General
Thomas Carden and leadership of the Georgia National Guard welcomes
home the Macon-based 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team from a
Sentinel and NATO Operation Resolute Support, at Hunter Army
(U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Shye
Wilborn)
On July 30, 2019, Sgt. 1st Class Kenaz
Evans from Georgia Army National
Guard’s 2-121 Infantry Battalion, 48th
IBCT, reunited with his family after a
during a Welcome Home Ceremony
held on 3rd Infantry Division’s Cottrell
Field. (U.S. Army National Guard photo
by Sgt. Shye Wilborn)