Local Guard soldiers return to U.S. after Iraq

National Guard soldiers from Southeast Missouri recently returned to the United States after 14 months' deployment in Iraq.

Seven of the returning soldiers are from Cape Girardeau County, and seven others hail from Dexter, Poplar Bluff and other towns. The local soldiers are from the Engineer Brigade Infantry Division and were activated as an attachment to the 35th Engineering Brigade based out of Fort Leonard Wood.

A total of 45 soldiers will be given a "welcome home salute ceremony" at 3 p.m. Thursday at the Ike Skelton Training Site in Jefferson City. Each will be presented with an encased American flag, a numbered and limited edition commemorative coin, a lapel insignia and a certificate of appreciation. Spouses will also be given a lapel insignia and children will get a footlocker kit with games.

Locally, families will hold private welcome celebrations. One business recognizing the soldiers' return is Tractors Classic American Grill, which painted a window mural with a yellow ribbon and the names of local soldiers.

"They just kind of left in the middle of the night and nobody really knew about it. There wasn't a big send-off for them like there had been in the past," said co-owner Teresa Blankenship. "So when we heard they were coming back, we just wanted to do something to let them know we appreciate them and welcome them home."

The Osage Community Centre will place a notice on its marquee billboard recognizing the return of Staff Sgt. David V. Grass, at the request of his family.

Some families said it can be more difficult for soldiers attached to units from other areas because of the low-key nature of their return.

"It's kind of like it was when they left. They left in a shadow, and now they're coming home in the shadows," said Paula Grass, whose husband David will be awarded a Bronze Star on Thursday. The award is the fourth-highest award for bravery, heroism or meritorious service issued by the military.

Grass, a construction engineer, will return to his job working for the city of Cape Girardeau.

Also returning home will be Maj. Steven Skelton. Skelton managed more than 80 construction projects valued at more than $100 million during his time in Iraq. These included several high-profile projects on the Camp Victory Complex, adjacent to Baghdad International Airport.

Skelton will return to Benchmark Printing in Jackson, which he has owned and operated for the last 10 years.

Maj. Andrew Rogers, principal at Gordonville Elementary School, will also return to his job.

tgreaney@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 245