The U.S. Army's 1st Infantry Division, often called the "Big Red One," will leave its host country of Germany at Victory Park on Leighton Barracks.

The Big Red One will return to the United States and officially make camp at Fort Riley, Kansas, on August 1. The move to Kansas means the division will help train foreign security forces in support of operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Kenneth W. Hunzeker, 1st ID commanding general, tells the Armed Forces Press Service, "When I think about the division leaving Germany and returning to the states, I can't help but be saddened just a little. Like many of you, I've spent a large part of my military life here in Germany. We will miss the culture, the people, the partnerships, the opportunity to travel, and even the challenges associated with leading troops overseas."

"Serving in Europe has also afforded our leaders the opportunity to visit battlefields and walk the ground where our forefathers fought during World War I and World War II. We are humbled to have been so fortunate to be able to study our profession on the ground that was fought to bring back freedom and democracy to this great continent."

The Pentagon says, "Though first established in 1917 during World War I, the division moved to Germany for the first time immediately after World War II and remained here until 1955, when it first moved to Fort Riley."

"Since that time, the Big Red One has answered the call to fight in Vietnam, operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, before returning to Germany for the second time April 10, 1996. Within the last 10 years, the 1st ID has played key roles during peacekeeping operations in Bosnia-Herzegovina and Kosovo, and deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom II from February 2004 to February 2005."