GUDC Welcome Home MN National Guard Troops

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Going Under Dive Center Welcome Home MN National Guard Troops

All of us at Going Under Dive Center would like to extend a Welcome Home to all troops who have served in the conflict in Iraq / Afghanistan, we are proud of your service! 

(AP) Camp Douglas, Wis. The smell of green grass and humidity were just some of the things Minnesota National Guard troops appreciated as they stepped off a plane in central Wisconsin after serving more than a year in Iraq.

The 1st Brigade Combat Team of the 34th Infantry Division served longer in combat than any other Minnesota unit since World War II and was the longest-serving U.S. military unit of the Iraq war. Its mission was extended by 125 days as part of the troop surge ordered by President Bush. A small contingent, 73 members of a Grand Rapids-based company, returned home from Fort McCoy on June 23.

The "Red Bulls" had the dangerous mission of escorting convoys, securing supply routes and safeguarding logistics bases. They've been awarded 180 Purple Hearts for combat injuries, 485 Bronze Stars, 24 Bronze Stars with Valor, and commanders have submitted the paperwork for four Silver Stars.

Nine members of the 1st Brigade Combat Team have been killed in Iraq.

The impending returns do not mean the end of the Minnesota National Guard's involvement in the Iraq war or other overseas assignments. About 600 other Minnesota Guard members are either serving in or due to be sent to Iraq or Afghanistan. Another 400 will leave this fall for a peacekeeping mission in Kosovo.

To help welcome our soldiers home, Ron Benson would like to extend a little bit of relief after all of the stresses by offering our troops who have served in these conflicts: Free PADI Scuba Lessons.  After spending more than a year in a desert, it is well deserved to get wet and blow some bubbles. 

Please help us spread the word, if you have a family member or friend who was called to duty please let them know by passing on this message and my direct email address goingunder@earthlink.net .  The dive centers phone number is 763-424-8717

Remember those still serving, bring them all home safely.

Ron Benson
Going Under Dive Center
10024 Co. Rd. #81
Maple Grove, MN 55369[/b]