FORT DODGE, Iowa - You could see the red and blue lights from a mile away on Webster County Road P56, as Fort Dodge Police, Webster County sheriff deputies, and over a dozen Patriot Guard Riders led the soldiers of the 875th Replacement Company to the over 200 friends and family in attendance at the Welcome Home Ceremony, on Friday, April 29.
The soldiers arrived to the cheers and applause from family, friends, and to the sound of “God Bless the USA,” by Lee Greenwood, performed by a school band. Their walkway was lined with American flags held by the Patriot Guard Riders.
“This company has accomplished a lot in the time it was gone,” said Col. Glenn Kolin, commander of the 103rd ESC (Rear).
He spoke of how they processed over 23,000 service members, sending them on their way to 32 different geographical locations. The 875th earned 13 Army Commendation Medals, 11 Army Achievement Medals, three Outstanding Military Volunteer Service Medals and one Air Assault Badge during the course of their stateside tour.
“The soldiers worked long hours ensuring the war fighters were prepared for their mission,” said Capt. Sherry Halbur, the unit’s commander.
The average amount worked per soldier per week was estimated to be roughly 90 hours apiece. With all this said and done, the troops still found time to contribute to the community through volunteer work, taking part in soldier skills training such as Warrior Leadership Courses, Basic Army Combatives, Combat Life Saver Courses, and even commited to road marching a year-long total of 560 miles.
VIP’s in attendance included U.S. Representatives Helen Miller-D-Iowa, Tom Latham-R-Iowa, and state Sen. Daryl Beall, D-Fort Dodge.
“I understand the only thing between these soldiers and their families are people like me, so I will be very brief,” said U.S. Rep. Tom Latham.
He thanked the soldiers for their sacrifice being away from home, and thanks in part to employers from the community for understanding the role of the Army and how important it is. These words were echoed by State Senator Daryl Beall, who said, “We appreciate your service but also the sacrifices of your families and your civilian employers.”
The majority of the ceremony was short and sweet, with much of the time dedicated to the reunion of families with their loved ones, who didn’t hesitate to charge in the moment the ceremony ended. Halbur offered one last bit of advice before releasing her soldiers:
“Don’t forget what you’ve learned, pass on your skills to other soldiers, always continue to learn and always take the lead. It will take you great places.”
| Date Taken: | 04.29.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 05.03.2011 15:12 |
| Story ID: | 69791 |
| Location: | FORT DODGE, AL, US |
| Web Views: | 129 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, 875th Replacement Company Returns from One-Year Stateside Mobilization, by SPC Gabriel Coco, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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