By Cheril Lee
Omaha, NE – This Saturday, 150 personnel from the 443rd Transportation Company will be given the Welcome Home Warrior Citizen Award.
Sgt. Joe Villines says the award was created through an initiative put forth by President Bush in 2004. He says the 443rd Transportation Company is being recognized for their direct support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. Villines says during the 10 months the 443rd was deployed, the company drove over 2.5 million miles to support their mission. Sgt. Villines say, "that includes everything from gun truck escorts to heavy trucks that move cargo, ammunition, just general supplies. They actually competed in the first ever Truck Rodeo that they had in Kuwait and took first place. It's a pretty prestigious honor."
On Saturday, each soldier will receive an encased American Flag, a lapel set and a commemorative coin. The public are asked to arrive no later than 9:45 a.m. The event takes place at Bethany Lutheran Church in Elkhorn.