That's A Troop

Whom Shall We Send?

Apr 10, 2010 11:10 pm US/Central
Celebration Marks Return Of 'Red Bull' Troops
Reg Chapman ― ST. PAUL (WCCO)

Saturday, family and friends celebrated the safe return of hundreds of Red Bulls.

"We will ask the question, 'Whom shall we send and who will go for us?' And now we know the answer for this chapter in history, and for this moment in time in Iraq, and this nation's national security interest. The answer is, 'The Red Bulls,'" said Minn. Gov. Tim Pawlenty.

They worked to ensure Iraqi security forces could protect their population and borders. They also developed southern Iraq's economic security and helped make conditions right for a successful drawdown of U.S. forces.

The Minnesota National Guard's 34th "Red Bull" Infantry division served with distinction during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

"I was the most proud of working with the locals and seeing them get a better standard of life, seeing them staring to come in, trying to learn a little English and talking. It was real fun," said Spc. Joel Sticha.

More than 1,200 citizen soldiers representing 273 Minnesota communities were welcomed home from a job well done in Iraq.

The homecoming celebration was not only for the troops, but also for their families.

"Sometimes a spouse is taking care of kids and working and its very, very -- it's a tremendous strain. So this is not just to thank the troops but to thank the families as well," said U.S. Sen. from Minnesota Al Franken.

WCCO's Don Shelby was master of ceremonies. He and WCCO photojournalist Tom Aviles were embedded with the Red Bulls from October until November of last year.

"It will never be fully measured how far you have advanced the cause for which we went into that country, and I am absolutely convinced after spending time with you and with them that they are pleased that you were part of their community this year, because they are far better off than they were the day you arrived," said Shelby.

Their success did come at a price. Four soldiers from Minnesota lost their lives during the deployment. They and their families were honored during the ceremony.

Members of the Red Bulls have gone through the reintegration process and now, many will begin the difficult task of picking up where they left off.

Many will turn to Beyond the Yellow Ribbon for help. The all-inclusive network of federal, state and local agencies will provide resources to help them find jobs or provide any other help they may need.

Welcome Home for Red Bulls 34th Infantry

Published April 10 2010
Welcome home for Red Bulls 34th Infantry
MINNEAPOLIS — A welcome home ceremony for soldiers with the Minnesota National Guard’s 34th Red Bull Infantry Division will be at 4:30 p.m. today in the Minneapolis Convention Center.
By: Tribune News, West Central Tribune
MINNEAPOLIS — A welcome home ceremony for soldiers with the Minnesota National Guard’s 34th Red Bull Infantry Division will be at 4:30 p.m. today in the Minneapolis Convention Center.

The 34th Infantry Division provided command and control of military forces in the southern third of Iraq from May 2009 to January 2010. Headquartered at Contingency Operating Base Basra, the 34th Infantry Division led a force of approximately 14,000 U.S. service members throughout nine of Iraq’s 18 provinces.

More than 1,200 citizen soldiers representing 273 Minnesota communities and 14 states deployed with the Red Bulls. Four Minnesota National Guard units deployed with the 34th Infantry Division from the communities of Rosemount, Inver Grove Heights, Faribault and Stillwater.

When You Get Home

Welcome Home Get-Together

Come help us welcome David home!

Who: Sgt. David Kasperson

When: February 28, 2-5pm

Where: Dean & Lois's Home

Why: He's Home (currently our two favorite words)

here's photos from Tuesday ...

He's Home

Those are my favorite two words right now. David made it home safe and sound from Iraq on Tuesday. After a week debriefing at Fort Lewis in Washington, he flew into Minneapolis on Tuesday at 3pm and we were there to welcome him home at the Inver Grove Heights armory.

First came a VIP welcome from Gov. Tim Pawlenty, who shook each soldiers' hand as they walked off the plane, at the International Guard Field at the Twin Cities International airport. Then they boarded a charter bus and headed for their respective armories.

Here's how the "ceremony" at the Armory went:

We all stood around and waited, eating the cookies and drinking soda, water, or coffee. The FRG had activities for the children - tables with coloring, etc. People were getting texts, etc. from the soldiers like: they've landed; they're sitting in the bus waiting for the luggage to be loaded, etc.

Then all of a sudden, they were streaming in the side door! The minute the last soldier was lined up, the commander yelled, "DISMISSED" ... all the soldier yelled and infiltrated the crowd ... and it was all over except for the hugging and the catching up.

We went to Shannon's where David showered and changed. He had been up since 2 am - they got up, cleaned their barracks, and were transported to McCord AFB where they were checked over one last time. They chartered a Delta 747 - over 200 soldiers - the last of the MN Red Bulls that were deployed February 10, 2009 - to return. There were some from Inver Grove Heights, Rosemount, Ripley, and Still Water. About 50 at IGH.

Then we went to the "Good Day Cafe" (highly recommend - go there - excellent food, atmosphere, & service). David, Shannon, Lawrence, Laura, Brian, Nate, Christine, Dean & Lois.

Tentatively planning a welcome home get-together on Sunday Feb 28th in Willmar. More details to come.

Thank you for your prayers. He's Home!


Here's a couple news stories:
Final Group of Red Bulls Return to Minnesota
KSTP at Inver Grove Heights armory

Final Red Bull Members Return from Iraq
WCCO at Rosemount armory