Minn. troops revel in special homecoming ceremony

A Minnesota battalion that returned home a few months ago got special recognition this week from friends, family and state officials.

More than 550 soldiers from the Minnesota Army National Guard's 1st Battalion came home in April. They had spent a year overseas supporting the war in Iraq.

The troops were officially welcomed home Friday at a ceremony in Montevideo.

Relatives and well-wishers expressed their thanks and support to the members of the National Guard's 151st Field Artillery. Gov. Tim Pawlenty, Sen. Amy Klobuchar and Rep. Collin Peterson also thanked the soldiers for their service.

Create a More Connected Minnesota

MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.

National Guard officials tell KSAX the unit completed nearly 600 combat missions without suffering a single injury.

---

Information from KSAX-TV

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)