Posted on 11/14/2007 3:42:21 PM PST by mdittmar
Flags, applause, hugs and tears greeted 27 soldiers from the Rochester-based 79th Military Police Co. of the Army Reserve as they rolled into the city this morning for a homecoming celebration.
Flags and motorcycles from the Minnesota Patriot Guard as well as nearly 200 family and friends were waiting for the soldiers as they returned to their unit's home after 14 months on active duty, mostly in Iraq. Fire trucks were parked on U.S. 52 overpasses as another greeting, and firefighters at the Army Reserve Center pulled out the ladder on their truck to hang the American flag from it.
The soldiers from the 79th stepped back into Minnesota at about 8:40 a.m. today. The U.S. Army Reserve soldiers, who primarily are volunteers, arrived at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport this morning. They arrived at the reserve center on Rochester's southeast side by bus at 10:45 a.m., a military spokeswoman said.
"I'm so happy. I'm so thrilled. I'm just overwhelmed with emotion to see him...so thankful that he's safe," said Deborah Beck of Rochester, who was waiting to see Sgt. William "Nathan" Baker of Rochester.
The local soldiers had been temporarily attached to the Jackson, Mich.-based 303rd Military Police Co. along with soldiers from other Army units.
Prior to the arrival of the soldiers in Rochester, family members were in briefing sessions at the center to learn more about services the military is offering to the returning soldiers and about their transitions to civilian life.
The soldiers returned to the United States earlier and had been stationed temporarily at Fort Dix, N.J., for debriefing.
Along with family and friends were members of the Patriot Guard, a volunteer group of motorcycle riders who pay respect to the country's soldiers. They attend homecomings, funerals and other events where soldiers are honored.
The 79th is the group that Spc. Rachael Hugo of Madison, Wis., served with. Hugo was killed in Iraq in October.
Welcome Home and Thank You.
Back to work at the Big Blue Zoo or the relish/ketchup/mustard clinic.
Welcome home, soldiers!! Thanks and God bless ‘em all!
Tough duty for the PGR’s today. She’s plenty windy in MN today!!
Did you watch the video? It is charming.
http://www.postbulletin.com/newsmanager/templates/localnews_story.asp?a=315637&z=2
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