PHOTOS: 30 Iowa National Guard soldiers return from Iraq

IOWA CITY - It may have been seeing for the first time in nearly a year rambunctious 9-year-old wrestling his dad, or feeling the tight grip from a shy 3-year-old hands on her dad's neck.

Maybe it was the “welcome home daddy” sign or the yellow roses in the soldiers hands.

No doubt, for many, today was an emotional celebration as around 30 soldiers from the Iowa National Guard's 3368th Transportation Company who were welcomed home by a crowd of around 200 after 10 months conducting missions near Kuwait.

“It's a sign of relief,” Sgt. Ike Hollingsworth, of Wilton, said.

Hollingsworth, who has been in the Army for more than a decade, said his plans involved relaxing at home with family.

His mother Joyce Thomas said the journey has been emotionally stressful, especially for wife Kathy Hollingsworth who has been alone raising daughter Emalee while her husband was away.

“I don't know if I can get numb with (saying goodbye),” each time Thomas said, noting she just deals with issues as they come.

Sgt. Chad Landuyt, of Victor, who has served 20 years in the Army, said having such great support from the community makes the days away easier.

Son Cain said having dad home feels “good.”

Iowa City Mayor Regenia Bailey, State Senator Bob Dvorsky, D-Coralville and Representative Dave Jacoby, D-Coralville were also guests of the homecoming event.

“If it wasn't for them, we wouldn't be able to do what we do,” Jacoby said.

Although today was a homecoming for these soldiers, the question lingers whether roughly 3,500 Iowa National Guard soldiers will be deployed to Afghanistan next year.

Jacoby and Dvorsky said they think Iowa was looked upon for the possible mission because of their high reputation.

“It's kind of a double-edged sword,” Dvorsky said.

But with today on their minds, and the future another day away, many of the soldiers grabbed their bags and headed home.

Photos by Cliff Jette

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