About 30 members of the Indiana National Guard, based in Frankfort, arrived home Wednesday at the Indianapolis airport. There were about 150 soldiers in all. The local soldiers were put in with a unit based in South Bend. Families called me early Wednesday. The were excited that talk of their loved ones return was becoming reality. The 151st was based at Camp Liberty in Baghdad. The unit's mission was route clearance and convoy security.
I'm told a group in Frankfort is trying to organize some sort of homecoming festivities. Someone called the newsroom and told us there would a a party for the guardsmen on Thursday, May 8th 10:30 a.m. at the American Legion in Frankfort. We'll keep you posted.
I included this story written by a guard member.
Foxtrot
Story by Spc. William E. Henry, Indiana Army National Guard
INDIANAPOLIS—Hundreds of loved ones welcomed home about 160 National Guard Soldiers with open arms at the 38th Infantry Division Armory in Indianapolis, April 30.
After a year of mobilization, Soldiers and families of Company F, 151st Infantry, were once again united.
Phillip Clouser, father of Spc. Brian Clouser, was on hand to see his son return to the States, and spoke of how proud he was of his son.
“The best thing is that he’s coming home safe. Every one of them is a hero in my eyes,” Clouser added.
While families and friends patiently waited for their Soldiers, a special guest, Vitor Meira, Indy Car driver of the National Guard car, stopped by to extend his gratitude to the families of the troops and signed autographs while they waited for the arrival.
When three knocks hit the overhead door of the drill floor it was time to see the Soldiers. They marched in with roaring cheers from the seats and banners waving.
The cheering wasn’t just done on the drill floor; the Soldiers did some cheering of their own.
“When the pilot announced we were in American airspace, the whole plane erupted into cheers,” said Sgt. Daniel Costello, Armored Security Vehicle truck commander.
While deployed, the company had the mission of convoy security, escorting transports of food and goods around their area of operation, Camp Liberty, Baghdad, Costello continued.
To keep those vehicles running for the missions it takes mechanics like Pvt. Adam Artist, who said he took pride in his work while in Iraq.
“There’s nothing better than being home, but I’m glad I did do what I could to help the guys out on their missions,” said Artist. The Soldiers will go through demobilization training at Camp Atterbury Joint Maneuver Training Center
Story by Spc. William E. Henry, Indiana Army National Guard
INDIANAPOLIS—Hundreds of loved ones welcomed home about 160 National Guard Soldiers with open arms at the 38th Infantry Division Armory in Indianapolis, April 30.
After a year of mobilization, Soldiers and families of Company F, 151st Infantry, were once again united.
Phillip Clouser, father of Spc. Brian Clouser, was on hand to see his son return to the States, and spoke of how proud he was of his son.
“The best thing is that he’s coming home safe. Every one of them is a hero in my eyes,” Clouser added.
While families and friends patiently waited for their Soldiers, a special guest, Vitor Meira, Indy Car driver of the National Guard car, stopped by to extend his gratitude to the families of the troops and signed autographs while they waited for the arrival.
When three knocks hit the overhead door of the drill floor it was time to see the Soldiers. They marched in with roaring cheers from the seats and banners waving.
The cheering wasn’t just done on the drill floor; the Soldiers did some cheering of their own.
“When the pilot announced we were in American airspace, the whole plane erupted into cheers,” said Sgt. Daniel Costello, Armored Security Vehicle truck commander.
While deployed, the company had the mission of convoy security, escorting transports of food and goods around their area of operation, Camp Liberty, Baghdad, Costello continued.
To keep those vehicles running for the missions it takes mechanics like Pvt. Adam Artist, who said he took pride in his work while in Iraq.
“There’s nothing better than being home, but I’m glad I did do what I could to help the guys out on their missions,” said Artist. The Soldiers will go through demobilization training at Camp Atterbury Joint Maneuver Training Center
