They’re Coming Home

RED OAK - Members of the National Guard's Company F, 334th Brigade Support Battalion based in Red Oak are returning home this week.

National Guard officials reported Monday afternoon that a welcome ceremony will take place this week, but an exact date and time is still being established.

As soon as a time is announced, it will be available online at www.redoakexpress.com along with other details.

While an exact time has yet to be scheduled, the parade route has been determined. It will start at the intersection of Highway 34 and 4th street, follow 4th Street to Oak Street, to Broadway, to the Red Oak Fire Station entrance at Legion Park to the football field.

The brief welcome home ceremony will take place on the football field.

Soldiers will disembark from the buses at Orschelns and will ride through the parade route on hay racks.

Local residents are urged to line the route waving American flags in support of the troops.

Shenandoah is also hosting a welcome home ceremony in the high school gym Tuesday from 3-5 p.m.

Soldiers from Shenandoah's 168th National Guard will be honored at that ceremony.

While serving in Afghanistan, members of the Red Oak company provided logistical support in terms of meals and vehicle maintenance to the Army's 168th infantry regiment.  

The local unit is comprised of people from all over Southwest Iowa, and includes several truck drivers, mechanics, and cooks to facilitate the logistical support.