Iowa soldiers return from Iraq, one last time

DAVENPORT - A homecoming celebration in Davenport closed a chapter in state history; there are no longer any Iowa National Guard soldiers or airmen in Iraq.

On Wednesday, 75 Iowa National Guard soldiers are back home after a year long deployment to Iraq. According to Colonial Greg Hapgood, who led the ceremony, this is the first time since 2003 that no Iowa National Guard members are on active duty in the country.

"I'm just thankful we got everyone home safe, just in time for the holidays," said Captain Ben Winborn, 37, of Swisher.

The return of the 2-211th General Support Aviation Battalion brought hundreds of friends and family members to the Iowa Army National Guard's Army Aviation Support Facility in Davenport.

"It's pretty emotional and pretty special to have all this community support," Winborn said.

While in Iraq, the soldiers flew and maintained CH-47D "Chinook" helicopters.  Their missions included air assault operations, personnel movement and humanitarian relief.

"It's an amazing difference since the last time I was over there," said Chief Warrant Officer Steven Farquhar, who returned from his fourth deployment Wednesday. "I'm glad we've been able to build this place up, and I'm happy everyone is coming home."

In October President Obama announced that all troops would be home from Iraq by the end of the year.

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