Recently returned soldiers attend reintegration programs

More than 720 Minnesota National Guard soldiers attended programs Saturday at the Minneapolis Convention Center intended to help them reintegrate into American society.

The 34th Combat Aviation Brigade returned from Iraq in May after a year long deployment.

This weekend's event includes workshops and information for veterans and their families on support services and help finding jobs and benefits. The programs are designed to help returning soldiers reintegrate into society successfully.

24-year old Abidemi Agboola is planning to go to graduate school for a master's degree in information systems technology. But in the meantime, he says he's looking forward to enjoying the rest of the summer.

"Just enjoy life to the fullest because I think I've changed and iraq has changed me a lot," Agboola said. "It makes me appreciate things more; it makes me appreciate just life in general."

The 34th Combat Aviation Brigade is based in St. Paul and was responsible for flying helicopters and planes in Iraq.

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