The anticipation builds for “Red Bulls” return

WATERLOO – Britany Barthel is far from alone but won't feel truly complete until late Thursday morning.

“I'm very anxious and excited,” said Barthel, 19, a military spouse for more than a year.

On Thursday, Barthel and dozens of other families will meet at Prairie Point Middle School in Cedar Rapids for the return of the 34th Infantry Division, Company C, Brigade Special Troops Battalion. About 50 Iowa Army National Guard soldiers are scheduled for the homecoming ceremony, eleven months after their August 2010 sendoff from Cedar Rapids.

The division, also known as the “Red Bulls”, departed from Cedar Rapids for training in Mississippi before the tour in Afghanistan. The soldiers have spent recent days in Fort McCoy, Wis., leading up to Thursday's ceremony.

Barthel said her husband, Spc. Chad Barthel, 22, is part of a strong military family. Older brother, Sgt. Bill Barthel, 27, is also scheduled to return in Thursday morning's ceremony. Marine SSgt. David Barthel, 28 and the oldest brother, is serving and is married to a Marine sargeant, Amber. Barthel said all of the men attended Iowa City West High School.

The Barthels will be like so many other families on Thursday, counting the final minutes before the final dismissal.

“As a husband and a father, I just want to go over to my family,” said Cpt. Shawn Hall, who has experienced a homecoming ceremony from the boots of a solider. He worked on Wednesday as part of the advance team, preparing the gymnasium. “As a soldier, I understand there is a protocol.”

Hall said school administrators have been “simply magnificent” in their work to ensure a smooth ceremony.

“We're not even able to give them fixed dates or times,” said Hall. “Anything we've asked for or they've been asked to produce, they've done.”

Prairie Point Middle School Principal Greg Leytem admitted part of the reason his school may have been chosen was location, ease of location and plenty of parking. Also, given the time of season, Leytem talked about the heat.

“We're fortunate in that our gym is air conditioned,” said Leytem.