The withdrawal of almost all U.S. Forces in Iraq means that hundreds of Alaska-based military personnel will be coming home.
The Fairbanks Daily News-Miner (http://bit.ly/mXTkET) says President Obama's announcement last week will result in the end of the conflict for 550 soldiers at military bases in Alaska.
Thousands of personnel from Alaska military installations have served in Iraq during the course of the war, which began in March 2003. The News-Miner says Alaska-based soldiers still in Iraq include those from the 168th Air Refueling Wing at Eielson Air Force Base and some Guard members from Eielson.
The 6th Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment out of Fort Wainwright, also is in Iraq as part of an aviation task force that includes more than 500 soldiers from six Lower 48 units.
