News Releases for March 2004
March 4, 2004
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Hoeven Welcomes Home The 142nd Engineer Combat Battalion
Governor, Adjutant General Announce Return And Welcoming Ceremony Plans
BISMARCK, N.D. - Gov. John Hoeven today extended a warm welcome to the men and women of the 142nd Engineer Combat Battalion, who will be returning home within the next few weeks from Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom in Iraq.
“Over the next few weeks, we will be welcoming home some of the real heroes of our state and nation,” Hoeven said. “These brave men and women have served with courage and honor, and they have sacrificed much. I know all of North Dakota joins us today in saying, ‘Thank you for a job well done.’”
Hoeven asked North Dakota National Guard Adjutant General Michael J. Haugen to work with the Guard and families to set up official ceremonies to honor all returning National Guard and welcome them home. Haugen said the best way to do that was for the public to first allow the soldiers to get re-acclimated with their families after such a long separation. Official ceremonies in communities across the state will be set up once they all return home. Haugen said the men and women have worked very hard under very stressful circumstances.
“Guard soldiers and airmen represent the military's most valuable asset,” Haugen said. “They embody the warrior ethos and have served their country honorably. Upon returning home, their family and friends are their focus. I also want to thank their families who supported them. They have sacrificed so much and for that we are grateful.”
While celebrating their return, Hoeven also acknowledged the deaths of three soldiers from the 957th Multi-Role Bridge Co.: Spc. Jon P. Fettig, Sgt. Keith L. Smette, and Staff Sgt. Kenneth W. Hendrickson, who lost their lives in Iraq.
“We must always remember that these soldiers made the ultimate sacrifice on our behalf,” Hoeven said. “As we welcome the 142nd home, we should all take a moment to remember the courage and sacrifice of Jon, Keith and Kenneth, and the hardship on their families. Our hearts and prayers go out to them.”
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