FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 15, 2009
Community, friends and family of the St. Paul-based 34th Combat Aviation Brigade (CAB) are scheduled to gather for Welcome Home Ceremonies following the unit's return from a 12-month deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
The 34th CAB deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom as the command element of "Task Force 34." Task Force 34 conducted full spectrum aviation operations throughout Iraq. Task Force 34 provided a stable and secure environment allowing the Iraqi National Government the ability to assume more responsibility for the security and governmental functions of Iraq.
Task Force 34 accomplishments included:
* Performed 37 daily missions from multiple locations throughout Iraq.
* Executed over 5,600 combat missions totaling more than 40,000 flight hours.
* Transporting more than 130,000 passengers and 11,670,000 pounds of cargo.
* Conducted more than 1,400 critical medical evacuation missions.
* Transported 2,000 senior U.S. military leaders to include the President of the United States, the President and Vice President Elect and many congressional members.
Members of the media are invited to attend the Welcome Home Ceremonies for these Soldiers. The unit will be coming home in several groups. The first group is scheduled to arrive at approximately 8:00 p.m. Saturday, May 16 at the Army Aviation Support Facility 206 Airport Road, St. Paul, MN 55107.
For more information on the Minnesota National Guard visit us at www.MinnesotaNationalGuard.org.
For more information on the Minnesota National Guard visit us at www.MinnesotaNationalGuard.org/pr.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: Minnesota National Guard Public Affairs at public.affairs@mn.ngb.army.mil or call 651-282-4410.
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