Serving in Iraq info page 26

Troops return home to Michigan
Several units arrive in Pontiac

By Debra Steele

Members of the 1775th Infantry were greeted by family, community and Gov. Jennifer Granholm in Pontiac.

One-hundred-twenty members of the 1775th -- along with soldiers from 144th out of Owosso -- were greeted Wednesday by hundreds of folks who cheered applauded and shed tears as the soldiers approached the armory in Pontiac.

It was definitely a hero's welcome as Granholm greeted each and every soldier one by one.

"It's way more than I expected," said Sgt. Josh Langlois. "It's crazy. I can't believe it. It's wonderful."

The soldiers are from 1775th military police company of the Michigan National Guard. They arrived in Pontiac along with members of the 144th, the 46th out of Kingsford and Menominee, and the 1776th from Taylor.

A ceremony fit for a hero was held for the soldiers who served 18 months in Iraq.

"These are people who are willing to put their lives on the line to fight," Granholm said.

Soldiers were overwhelmed by the ceremony and the support from the community. Many shed tears of joy as they saw their families for the first time in more than a year.

The 1775th arrived in Iraq in May of 2003. As the unit's one-year-in-country date approached, they became one of 11 units stationed in Iraq to be extended an additional 90 days.

Curiosity of: http://abclocal.go.com/wjrt/news/081104_NW_da_troops.html