Thursday, September 13, 2007
Governor Culver Greets Returning Iowa Troops
(Boone) This evening, Governor Chet Culver will attend a community homecoming ceremony for approximately 50 Iowa Army National Guard Soldiers mobilized with Co. C, 2nd Battalion, 147th Aviation this evening. The public and media are welcome and encouraged to attend this homecoming ceremony.
“I am incredibly proud of the Iowans of the 2nd Battalion, 147th Aviation returning home today,” said Governor Culver. “These Iowans served our nation honorably, conducting more than 700 missions with each pilot averaging 100 flight hours per month. I also commend the mothers and fathers, husbands and wives, sons and daughters who supported our troops from back home. Your constant support and dedication to the men and women of the Guard makes the difficult task of protecting our state and country possible.”
These Soldiers were mobilized in January 2006 and departed Iowa for their mobilization station at Fort Hood, Texas in April 2006. Following additional training, they then deployed to Iraq and the Central Command (CENTCOM) theater of operations in support of the global war on terrorism in September 2006.
Based in Boone, Company C flies and maintains UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters. While in Iraq, the unit provided air movement support of personnel and equipment, conducted air assault operations, executed emergency casualty evacuation, and performed combat search and rescue operations and humanitarian relief missions. This unit previously deployed during Operation Desert Shield/Storm, and participated in Operation Bright Star in Egypt.