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Alexandria, MN (KROC AAM News) -  A “welcome home” ceremony was held Sunday for members of a Minnesota National Guard unit.

The ceremony was held in Alexandria, where the unit (C Battery, 1st Battalion, 194th Field Artillery Regiment) is based. The unit has soldiers from more than 60 Minnesota communities.

MN National Guard
MN National Guard
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MN National Guard
MN National Guard
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The 65 soldiers actually returned in July from a nine-month deployment in Afghanistan and Iraq in support of Operation Freedom Sentinel and Operation Inherent Resolve.

The Minnesota soldiers provided security in support of critical military infrastructure and personnel through the use of the Land-Based Phalanx Weapon System , which intercepted enemy rocket, artillery, and mortar attacks.

Guard spokesman William Hermanson says it was decided to delay the welcome home ceremony "to give back time to Soldiers and their families to reconnect and enjoy vacations over the summer months. Our Soldiers come from across Minnesota, and this delay gave time to families for planning to join their service members for this special day.”

MN National Guard
MN National Guard
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MN National Guard
MN National Guard
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C Battery Commander Army Capt. Tom Bowers issued this statement:

“I cannot thank the Soldiers enough for their dedication and hard work throughout the deployment. Their professionalism and stellar performance left a lasting mark on our counterparts at all locations and continued the exemplary legacy of the Red Bull Division.” 

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