Welcome Home Boys!

[Gunslinger]

And just in time for Christmas

National Guard Troops Return From Iraq

Saturday, December 10, 2005

 

WACO, Texas  — About 3,000 troops from a Texas National Guard unit returned home Saturday after nearly a year in Iraq, rushing into the arms of family members after the largest deployment of state guardsmen since World War II.

Members of the Fort Worth-based 56th Brigade lined up in formation at Baylor University's Floyd Casey Stadium. As they were introduced over the loudspeaker, soldiers ran onto the field like football stars while loud music and applause filled the air.

"Texas just hasn't been the same without you," Gov. Rick Perry said.

The troops were welcomed by an estimated 20,000 family members, friends and other well-wishers. Many of them had been in Iraq since January and initially were not scheduled to return for several more weeks.

"We didn't expect to see you until early next month," said Maj. Gen. Michael Taylor, who commands the 36th Infantry Division, which includes the returning brigade. "Well, Santa Claus came early this year."

The welcome rally also included a naturalization ceremony for 29 soldiers from seven countries who were not U.S. citizens when they deployed to the Middle East. (that's awsome! -ed)

The brigade was headquartered in southern Iraq, but its units saw duty in Baghdad, Fallujah and other hot spots. Six soldiers from the brigade died in Iraq, three in combat and three in accidents.

[EagleEyes]

Welcome back guys!!  Glade your all home, hopefully soon, all soldiers will be home!  BUT not before the job is done, no since in leaving and dishonoring the soldiers who died protecting America!



Egle31

[AKS\/\/ulfe]

Originally posted by Gunslinger
The welcome rally also included a naturalization ceremony for 29 soldiers from seven countries who were not U.S. citizens when they deployed to the Middle East. (that's awsome! -ed)

That most certainly is! Good for them.
-SW

[beet1e]

, and welcome back. How many flush toilets did they manage to install while they were out there?

[StarOfAfrica2]

I've gotten to see a few happy homecomings this  year.  Of course they are offset by new deployments.  The worst is the ones that get to come home, and then get orders to go back.  I like this quote from one of the Engineering battalions getting ready to redeploy after less than a year home.

"We all know the higher purpose, which is the defense of the nation. We're an all-voluntary army. ... We're here to fight terrorism in their country before it comes here. We knew it would be a long fight." -- Capt. Andrew Marshall, commander of Bravo Company of the Schofield Barracks' 84th Engineer Combat Battalion (Heavy).