The reunion began with a gather at the American Legion Post in Brewster, Minnesota, on Saturday. On Sunday, the veterans returned to the old New Ulm Armory for a special program. The reunion commemorated the units mobilization in preparation for deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Former Command Sgt. Tom Behrends said around 137 soldiers deployed out of New Ulm along with another 584 in the Battery who mostly came from around Southern Minnesota. The deployment would last 22 months with a 16-month stint in Iraq.

Behrends said their last reunion was held in 2019, but this was the largest reunion since returning home in 2007.

Retired 1st Sgt. Mike Grote said the experience was “wonderful, I haven’t seen some of these guys since I got back.”

Members of the New Ulm Battery were stationed outside the New Ulm Armory Sunday to welcome back members of the 1st Battalion, 125 Field Artillery for the units 20 year reunion. The 1-125 FA deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in fall of 2005

“It is a great experience,” Behrends said. “It is very humbling. You see a lot of hugging, a lot of stories and lot of camaraderie.”

Behrends said it was also an educational opportunity. Part of the program for the Reunion included information on VA benefits.

“It’s good information to get out there,” Behrends said.

The celebration also a final hurrah for the building itself. The reunion on Sunday was held at the MN National Guard Armory at 2nd N. and Broadway. A new Armory building is currently being built on the north end of New Ulm. This will be the last time any of the members of the 1-125 FA meet at in the old armory.

“It was kind of nice to do it here,” Behrends said.

The 1-125 FA reunion included a display of Journal newspapers articles cover the units deployment in October 2005 and return from July 2007.