Soldier Returning Today After 18-Month Stint in Iraq

Courtesy Photo | Maj. Gen. David Sprynczynatyk, North Dakota National Guard adjutant general, and Spc. Daryn Hoover, a North Dakota Army National Guard medic from Minot, pose in front of Sather Air Base in Baghdad, Iraq, in September 2008. Hoover deployed with the 164th Engineer Battalion in June 2007 and chose to extend his mobilization when his unit returned home. He served as a medical escort in the Joint Visitor Bureau, providing support for VIPs traveling throughout the country.  

UNITED STATES

12.15.2008

Courtesy Story

North Dakota National Guard Public Affairs

By the North Dakota National Guard

MINOT, N.D. — A North Dakota Army National Guard Soldier who volunteered to extend his mobilization in Iraq will be returning home today. Spc. Daryn Hoover mobilized with the 164th Engineer Battalion out of Minot in June 2007. The Minot-based unit returned home in April 2008, but Hoover, a medic with the unit, chose to remain in country. He volunteered to serve with Company C of Task Force 1-153rd in Iraq.

Hoover says he initially planned to stay only 90 days more, but the mission was a "once-in-alifetime
experience." He had been working at a battalion aid station and serving as a medic on patrols and expected to do the same work. He ended up working in the Joint Visitor Bureau, which ensured VIPs visiting Iraq had adequate security. Hoover says he served as a medical escort for generals, politicians and movie stars. It allowed him to see most of Iraq and meet a number of interesting people. One of the highlights of the extended deployment was serving as the medical escort for then-Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) in late July. He also had the opportunity to escort Maj. Gen. David Sprynczynatyk, North Dakota National Guard adjutant general, and State Command Chief Master Sgt. Paula Johnson when they visited Iraq in September.

Hoover arrived at Camp Shelby, Miss., on Wednesday and is expected to return to North Dakota at
11:53 p.m. today on Northwest Airlines Flight 1469 into Minot International Airport. Hoover and his wife, Keri, live in Minot. He is the son of Derald and Ruth Hoover, of Stanley, N.D. Community members and media are encouraged to join with family and friends to welcome Hoover home.

WHO: Spc. Daryn Hoover, North Dakota Army National Guard Soldier
WHAT: Returning from Iraq
WHEN: 11:53 p.m. today
WHERE: Minot International Airport
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Since the terrorist attacks on America, the North Dakota National Guard has mobilized more than
2,700 Soldiers and more than 1,600 Airmen in support of the Global War on Terrorism. Currently,
more than 200 Soldiers and Airmen from the North Dakota National Guard remain on duty in Iraq,
Afghanistan and other locations throughout Southwest Asia. More than 3,000 National Guardsmen
remain in North Dakota and are available to provide support for state and national emergencies and
homeland defense.

• Date Taken: 12.15.2008
• Date Posted: 12.15.2008 15:56
• Story ID: 27721
• Location: US