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.
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.
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