The move from Germany to Texas began six months earlier, and raised troop levels on the installation to more than 55,000.

Since 1960, the 69th Air Defense Artillery Brigade has called the German countryside its home.

So the return of the 69th ADA wasn’t just a long time coming, but according to Brig. Gen. Robert Woods, who commands the 32nd Army Air and Missile Defense Command at Fort Bliss, it was historic.

“The brigade has a prestigious history and many proud accomplishments,” Woods said. “I appreciate what you do and I know you are looking forward to the years at Fort Hood.”

Woods praised the soldiers, but was especially proud of the families who endured a move from halfway around the world.

“Constant change is what we as a nation sometimes have to do in order to serve the greater good,” Woods said.

Of course, along with the change of scenery comes a brand new nickname, which seems to be synonymous with the Army.

Col. Joseph Frischetti, the 69th ADA’s commander, referred to the troops as soldiers of the “lightning brigade” as he and Command Sgt. Maj. Tedd Pritchard unfurled the brigade’s colors at Fort Hood for the first time.

Frischetti expressed his fondness for the communities of Wuerzburg and Giebelstadt in Germany, places the brigade had called home since 1991.

“For many years they never wavered in their support for our soldiers,” Frischetti said.

The brigade, which is assigned to the 32nd AAMDC, is the only Patriot Missile Brigade on Fort Hood, and because of its distinction, its mission could take them anywhere on the globe.

“This is a great place for us to be ready when the nation needs us,” Frischetti said.