200 National Guardsmen return home to Minnesota

ANOKA, Minn. (KMSP) – After a year overseas, dozens of Minnesota National Guardsmen are now back home. They were honored yesterday for a job well done.

"It's great to be home and not see the sand for a while." National Guardsman Medic Cesar Garcia said. "It's a great feeling to know you are part of something bigger than yourself.

During their time in the Middle East, the guardsmen helped support operations in both Kuwait and Iraq. This task grew in scale with the emergence of ISIS.

Colonel Greg Thongvold said it was a challenge they all embraced. Before long, these men and women were part of operations across the region.

Senator Amy Klobuchar called their service crucial. Both she and Senator Al Franken turned out to with them well as they embark on a summer of well-deserved R & R.

"It's great to be home in Minnesota for a while, enjoy the outside, the trees and everything we don't have over there." Said Cesar Garcia.