Petraeus Returns for Fort Campbell Homecoming

Retired General David Petraeus helped cap off a celebration of the 101st Airborne’s 70th anniversary today. The CIA Director previously led the division into combat.

Wearing a dark suit, Petraeus dawned a Screaming Eagle baseball cap. He addressed 15,000 troops gathered on a Fort Campbell parade field, saying they have added “extraordinary episodes” to the division’s “distinguished history.”

Petraeus may be Fort Campbell’s proudest living alumnus, but the army post on the Tennessee-Kentucky border has welcomed back busloads of veterans this week. Division commander Maj. Gen. James McConville tells them the 101st is living up to their legacy.

“I can assure you that the current generation of Screaming Eagles is no different than those from the Greatest Generation.”

An infantry brigade and an aviation unit are preparing to leave Fort Campbell in the coming weeks. They will serve as advisers to the Afghan security forces.

Soldiers with the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) line up for inspection on the division parade field, Thursday, Aug. 16, 2012. The division, most notably known for its roles in World War II, Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan, celebrated its 70th anniversary during Week of the Eagles 2012 at Fort Campbell, Ky., proud home of the Screaming Eagles. (U.S. Army photo by Jerry Woller, Fort Campbell, Ky.)