"Just the hard work and dedication of all those kids did over there, making it happen for the U.S. It's quite a job they did. That's what I'll remember," said Brigadier General David Elicerio.
CBS
HAM LAKE, Minn. (WCCO) ― A Minnesota Soldier is spending some time with his family after spending the last year in Iraq.
He's a Brigadier General with the Red Bulls and his homecoming came just in time for something he's been looking forward to for months.
WCCO-TV first met Elicerio late last fall. Don Shelby went along and watched his work in charge of training and security for the 34th "Red Bull" Infantry Division.
Nearly two months after that border tour, he's home.
"A lot of and heartaches and hard work in-between. It's good to be back here," said Elicerio.
While his family kept him going overseas, it was a certain sporting event he hoped he'd be home in time to see.
"It was just a mark on the wall that you look for. You got to hang your hat on something. So Super Bowl seemed to be it and when the schedule looked like it was going to line up that's a good thing," said Elicerio.
"To us he's our dad but I think we realize the good work he's doing and how many other people who are proud of him too," said his daughter, Kristen Elicerio.
"Just the hard work and dedication of all those kids did over there, making it happen for the U.S. It's quite a job they did. That's what I'll remember," said Elicerio.
The Elicerios will watch the Super Bowl together Sunday, far from the heat of the desert, at his Ham Lake Home.
"Sitting in your own easy chair, drinking your own beer, watching the Super Bowl. That's a good thing," said Elicerio.
More than 1,200 Minnesota Citizen-Soldiers make up the 34th Infantry Division. Three waves of Red Bulls have returned home in the last week from Iraq.
Feb 6, 2010 10:35 pm US/Central
Reporting
Liz Collin
