Posted on 04/30/2008 8:15:38 PM PDT by ButThreeLeftsDo
Members of the Minnesota National Guard received an emotional outpouring of support along Highway 12 Wednesday.
Friends, relatives, and strangers lined up for nearly 35 miles to welcome them home from Iraq to their final destination in Litchfield.
From 35 miles away in Delano all the way to Litchfield flags, signs and cheers filled the air.
They all lined up for the arrival of the 94 troops from the Litchfield based 849th Mobility Augmentation Company.
For nearly a year they've been missed by co-workers, honeymoons have been on hold and the last few minutes of waiting at the Litchfield Armory are nothing now that prayers have been answered.
"Grateful that he's back in one piece and they all are, it's absolutely amazing," said Barb Kill who waited for her son.
One after the other they get off the bus outside, while inside, rock star like screams fill the room as the troops are officially home from their Operation Iraqi Freedom Tour.
The company helped to build three schools, a marketplace and twenty stores while there.
They also supervised the operation of checkpoints and helped to conduct humanitarian aid missions.
All the while thinking about those they left behind and waiting themselves, for the moment to be dismissed from duty.
Molly and Paul Shand were married just before he left and the hug may not make up for lost time, but it puts them at last back together.
"I'm really glad to be home, it was a good experience I had a lot of good guys with me that made it easier to deal with, but I'm glad to be home and looking forward to the next couple weeks," Shand said.
The deployment forced them to put off their honeymoon and are headed to Hawaii for a little rest and relaxation.
Ping.
That’s a heartwarming tale; I’m glad they’re back safely. Well done, troops!
849th Mobility Augmentation Company,Welcome Home and Thank You
Video here:
http://kstp.com/article/stories/S429999.shtml?cat=1
The other day on the news they showed the wives and family members loading up signs to put along the soldiers’ route home. They had a sign for each soldier, with his or her name on it.
Thanks for your Service from an old Army guy who was lucky to serve in peace time...
Thanks for the video link.
I usually do that....
I have some other stuff that is taking up my time tonight.
If you find a video of that home makeover, please post it.
That is SO COOL!!!!!!!!!!!! Welcome home!!
Thanks a lot
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