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Dozens of soldiers from 1138th Engineer Company returning tonight after tour in IraqSunday, July 20, 2008Nearly 100 soldiers, some from Southeast Missouri, will make their way home from Iraq late tonight. The armory in Farmington, Mo., will hold a welcome-home ceremony at 11 p.m. to greet the returning soldiers of the Missouri Army National Guard's 1138th Engineer Company, according to Sgt. Donnie Ferguson. Included in the battalion are several area residents, Sgt. Derek Bedwell of Chaffee, Mo., Pvt. Jonny Brennecke, Spc. Joseph Broach and Spc. Manuel Pavon, all of Cape Girardeau, Spc. Thomas Hubbert of Scott City and Pvt. Preston Mayberry of Marble Hill, Mo. Sgt. Bradley Skelton, 40, of Gordonville lost his life while serving in Iraq, along with Sgt. Matthew Straughter of Belleżville, Ill. Skelton was killed Feb. 6 in Baghdad when his vehicle struck an explosive device. Ferguson said a moment of silence and prayer will be used to honor the two fallen soldiers. "We knew our mission would be difficult and would test our capabilities and readiness on the battlefield," said Sgt. 1st Class Andrew Moore. The mission involved clearing Baghdad routes of improvised explosives, and the company conducted more than 500 combat missions. Soldiers destroyed more than 100 explosive devices. Ferguson said the commander of the company, Capt. Darren Gove, and 1st Sgt. Robert Haaf will likely speak at the ceremony, but their goal is to keep it short. The ceremony is expected to last about 30 minutes, allowing soldiers to get to their families as quickly as possible, said Staff Sgt. Heather Carden, a public affairs representative for the 1140th Engineer Battalion. "They want to get them home," Carden said. 335-6611, extension 245 Comments  Note: The nature of the Internet makes it impractical for our staff to review every comment. If you feel that a comment is offensive, please Login or Create an account first, and then you will be able to flag a comment as objectionable. Please also note that those who post comments on semissourian.com may do so using a screen name, which may or may not reflect a website user's actual name. Readers should be careful not to assign comments to real people who may have names similar to screen names. Refrain from obscenity in your comments, and to keep discussions civil, don't say anything in a way your grandmother would be ashamed to read.
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Praise God they're home! This will be a day they and their families will never forget! We will remember your fallen brothers and want you to know that we are proud of all you have done for our country, all the lives your work has saved. Never underestimate the value of your accomplishments on the battle field. God bless you all.
Welcome Home and a job well done! As a Patriot Guard Rider is was an honor to see these soldiers off as they left last year. Now, once again we are blessed once again to escort these brave warriors back home. Thank you and God Bless you. There is a quote off the Patriot Guard web site that states: Only two defining forces have ever offered to die for you: 1. Jesus Christ. 2. The American G.I. One died for your soul, the other for your Freedom.