SecArmy welcomes home Minnesota National Guard Soldiers

By Staff Sgt. Christina M. O'ConnellJuly 18, 2007

SecArmy welcomes Soldiers home
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SecArmy welcomes Soldiers home
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SecArmy wecomes Soldiers home
3 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Minnesota National Guard Soldiers deployed with the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division for the past 17 months throw around a football after returning redeploying from Iraq at Volk Field, Wis., July 17. The Soldiers were welcomed home by ... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
SecArmy welcomes Soldiers home
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WASHINGTON (July 18, 2007) -- Minnesota National Guard Soldiers filled the flight line of Volk Field, Wis., as they returned to the United States after a 17-month tour in Iraq with the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division, July 17.<br>

Secretary of the Army Pete Geren, joined by Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty, welcomed home the Soldiers as they unloaded the aircraft, and spent time talking and visiting outside the hangar as Soldiers turned in their weapons and prepared to return to their families.<br>

The returning flight marked the redeployment of more than 2,300 of the 2,600 Minnesota National Guard Soldiers deployed with the 1st BCT, 34th Inf. Div., and included 250 Soldiers from two companies of 2nd Battalion, 136th Infantry, located in Detroit Lakes, Bemidji and Alexandria.<br>

The remainder of the deployed Soldiers will return to Volk Field today.