Guard to honor troops for Iraq service

The soldiers of the National Guard's 1140th Engineer Battalion have already received their informal welcome home after returning from deployment to Iraq. On Saturday, they will be officially recognized for their sacrifice by the government they fought for.

Companies of the 1140th, based in Perryville, Jackson, Farmington, Fredericktown, Cape Girardeau and Sikeston, will all be honored during "Freedom Salute" ceremonies this weekend.

The ceremonies are state-sponsored events in which each soldier who was deployed to Iraq will receive an encased American flag, a commemorative coin stamped with a minuteman symbol, a certificate of appreciation and a lapel insignia.

Spouses of soldiers will receive a lapel insignia and children of soldiers will receive a "footlocker" kit.

"A lot of soldiers when we got back just wanted to see their families, so it's a good chance to have a formal ceremony and have the community come out and welcome us home," said Company B commander Capt. Kevin Compas. "And it's a matter of the Guard not only recognizing soldiers' sacrifices but the families' as well."

Guests are scheduled to speak at each ceremony. Brig. Gen. Michael Pace, commander of the 35th Engineer Brigade and leader of all National Guard engineer battalions in the state, will speak at each event along with state and local government officials.

All ceremonies are open to the public, but those attending are encouraged to arrive 30 minutes early due to parking limitations.

The ceremony in Cape Girardeau will take place at 9 a.m. Saturday at the Arena Building in Cape Girardeau. The city is the base of the battalion's Headquarters Company, of which 80 members were deployed to Iraq.

Company B of Perryville and Jackson will be honored at 10 a.m. at the Perry Park Center. The company sent about 100 members to Iraq, the largest number from any company in the battalion.

A ceremony in Sikeston at 1 p.m. at the Sikeston Armory will honor the members of Company C, which sent about 90 soldiers on deployment to Iraq.

The approximately 80 members of Company A who were deployed will be honored at the Farmington Centene' Center at 2 p.m. Company A is based in Farmington and Fredericktown.

msanders@semissourian.com

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