Oregon Public Broadcasting

They built highways, bridges, and culverts in Iraq.  And now the Oregon National Guard’s 224 Engineer Company is home.  Correspondent Chris Lehman was at the ceremony Wednesday in Albany and has this report.

Protocol is important at military events.  Even when it comes to lining up for cake, says Marjie Ray of the American Legion Auxiliary.

Marjie Ray:  “As the ceremony ends, the troops who were overseas will be served first, followed by the troops who never went overseas.”

But it wasn’t time for cake just yet.  There were still speeches going on inside the arena. Brigadier General Charles Yriarte thanked the nearly 100 soldiers for their work in Iraq.

Charles Yriarte:  “I personally am damn glad you’re home. It took a lot of weight off my shoulders, and you all came home. Congratulations on a great tour.”

It wasn’t the stereotypical Hallmark reunion you often see at decommissioning ceremonies.  That’s because many of the soldiers reunited with their families over the weekend.

Staff Sergeant Daniel Dormer of Prineville, Oregon says he’s just glad to be home.

Daniel Dormer:  “You get out and you just try to do some of the things that you did before and you just try to take it slow and easy and adjust back to not worry about as many things that are drilled into you when you’re overseas and in a combat zone.”

But the home-front has its own set of concerns, such as rising energy costs, an uncertain job market and a Presidential election.

Those things weren’t on the minds of most of the soldiers I talked to, such as Specialist Ron Abbot of Sweet Home. He says he just plans to kick back and take it easy.

Ron Abbot:  “Just give me a fishing pole, and I’m good.”

Abbot says he does have a job as a welder. Like many others in the 224, this was his second tour of duty in Iraq.