102d Military History Detachment

The 102d Military History Detachment, Topeka, was sent to Bosnia at the end of 1995 in support of Operation Joint Endeavor, a NATO peacekeeping mission.  Commanded by MAJ Nels Dolan, the unit was assigned to Task Force Eagle in Tuzla, Bosnia, and recorded the actions and conditions of the American soldiers during the cold Bosnian winter.  The unit returned from active duty on Aug. 2, 1996, following eight months in Bosnia.

As part of Operation Iraqi Freedom, the 102d Military History Detachment, commanded by MAJ Dane Childs, was again mobilized in 2003.  On Feb. 9 they processed through their mobilization station and joined the 3rd Infantry Division in their push toward Baghdad.  Their mission was to collect and preserve data of historical interest.  After arrival in Baghdad, the unit utilized one of the palaces that had been the Baathist Party Headquarters at Baghdad International Airport.  They were released from this mission in late 2003.

In June, 2008, the 102d Military History Detachment was again mobilized, this time for duty in Afghanistan where they would document military activities of the 82d Airborne Division.  The departure ceremony was held in June, 2008, at the Museum of the Kansas National Guard, Topeka.  The unit, commanded by MAJ Damon Frizzell, returned to Kansas in July, 2009.