ND Soldiers Honored For Their Year Long Deployment

Ok, I'll let you in on a not-so-secret hobby of mine...

...and the only effort it requires of me is to feel the glow that so many others must experience when they watch soldiers come home - either on video or even better in person. I absorb as many as I can find through YouTube. We've all experienced that wonderful feeling of being away from home for a while, and you are just minutes away from seeing the loved ones you have missed - there is nothing like that. That look on the family's faces when their soldier is embraced is priceless. Imagine being gone an entire year, serving your country that you help protect - I have the utmost respect for our men and women who show that kind of commitment.

A year-long deployment that ended last November was honored and celebrated yesterday

Inside the Bismarck Event Center yesterday, there was plenty of admiration and respect for the 125 guard soldiers that were recognized and thanked for their year-long deployment. The Soldiers of the 957th Engineer Company came home last November. According to kvrr.com "Senators John Hoeven and Kevin Cramer welcoming home North Dakota National Guard members in Bismarck. They served in a yearlong mission along the southern border in support of U.S. Customs and Border Protection" I have never been in the military but I can definitely appreciate how honored each and every one of them felt by what Major General Al Dohrmann had to say:

"Today, it was my privilege to join with our senior enlisted leader, Command Sgt. Maj. Jason Magnuson, and elected officials to formally welcome home the Soldiers of the 957th Engineer Company who returned in November from a year-long deployment in support of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) mission along the southwest border. About 125 Guard Soldiers served on this mission and I thank each and every one of them. You performed your duties magnificently.

I am also appreciative of the Families, Friends and Employers of the 957th Soldiers. Without their outstanding support to you and the entire North Dakota National Guard, we couldn't accomplish our missions."

North Dakota National Guard Facebook Page

My own personal message to all men and women who have worn a uniform in the past and who wear one now, THANK YOU for what you do for us!