Louisiana National Guard soldiers return home from Iraq

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Louisiana National Guard soldiers return home from Iraq

By Drew Brown

Knight Ridder Newspapers



WASHINGTON - National Guard troops with Louisiana's 256th Infantry Brigade Combat Team who lost loved ones or homes in Hurricane Katrina are beginning to arrive home from Iraq after a year of duty.


Brigade commander Brig. Gen. John P. Basilica Jr. said Friday that the more than 500 soldiers who'd sustained losses in the storm would be sent home first. Some 200 already have returned to Louisiana, and the rest should return home by Saturday night.


"Some will require more services than others," Basilica said, speaking by video link from Baghdad. "Either way, we will come up with a plan and come up with the support that they need to help them get their lives back together."


Basilica said soldiers who'd volunteered for hurricane relief work would be sent home next. The rest of the 2,500-person brigade is scheduled to return to Louisiana between Sept. 20 and Sept. 23.


Basilica said returning troops would be given the choice of remaining on state active duty or returning to their civilian lives. About 800 have expressed interest in serving in some capacity when they return, the general said. Another 1,500 have said they plan to return to their civilian lives and the rest remain undecided, he said.

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[NJCher]

1. welcome back, guys

My God, can you imagine what it would be like to come from one colossal bush mess to another?

I am so happy to see these guys home, though. Home--or what there used to be of home--is where they should be.

My heart really goes out to them.




Cher

[bigbrother05]

2. Welcome home guys

I am so sorry you have to come home to this, you put your life on the line everyday, while * is doing nothing. But look on the bright side you get $2,000.