After the September 11, 2001 attacks, soldiers from the 10th Mountain Division were immediately ordered to secure key sites within the United States. In October 2001, 10th Mountain soldiers deployed as the initial conventional force in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and were instrumental in planning and executing Operation Anaconda, the first large-scale battle against al-Queda and Taliban fighters. Two years later, division soldiers deployed to Iraq in the opening days of Operation Iraqi Freedom. For the next thirteen years, 10th Mountain soldiers and Fort Drum civilians deployed repeatedly around the globe. Combined, the division headquarters and its subordinate brigades executed over 40 deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. The division played an important role in defeating enemy forces, training and supporting security forces, and providing humanitarian assistance in both countries. Soldiers, families, and friends of the division endured deployment hardships, joyous homecomings, and sacrifice, and together mourned the loss of over 300 division soldiers killed in action since 2001. Among those associated with the division were Sergeant First Class Jared C. Monti and Captain William D. Swenson, who were awarded the Medal of Honor for courage in combat in Afghanistan. Support for Fort Drum, 10th Mountain Division soldiers, their family members, and the civilian workforce remains steadfast as the nation confronts those who threaten its freedom, liberty, and democratic way of life.