FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
February 8, 2010
~Last Wave of 34th Infantry Division Soldiers Return to Minnesota~
The final wave of 34th Red Bull Infantry Division (34th ID) Soldiers will return to Minnesota following their one-year deployment to Iraq. The final group of approximately 150 Soldiers are scheduled to arrive at 3 p.m. Tuesday, February 9.
Since May 2009, the 34th Infantry Division provided command and control of military forces in the southern third of Iraq. Headquartered at Contingency Operating Base Basra, the 34th Infantry Division led a force of approximately 14,000 U.S. Servicemembers throughout nine of Iraq's 18 provinces.
34th Infantry Division foremost accomplishments include:
- Ensured Iraqi Security Forces could protect their population and borders in southern Iraq.
- Developed Southern Iraq's civil capacity and economic security.
- Set the conditions for a successful drawdown of U.S. forces in their area of responsibility.
More than 1,200 Citizen-Soldiers representing 273 Minnesota Communities and 14 states deployed with the Red Bulls.
Members of the media are invited to attend the Soldier returns at the two armories listed below. No RSVPs are required. Be advised that the bus arrival times are projections.
4 p.m. Tuesday, February 9
110 Soldiers
Rosemount National Guard Armory
13865 South Robert Trail
Rosemount, MN 55068
4 p.m. Tuesday, February 9
45 Soldiers
Inver Grove Heights National Guard Armory
8076 Babcock Trail
Inver Grove Heights, MN 55077
For more information on the Minnesota National Guard visit us at www.MinnesotaNationalGuard.org.
For deployment information and accomplishments of the Red Bulls visit www.MinnesotaNationalGuard.org and "click" on 34th ID Red Bulls Return Special Feature banner.
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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