Thomas Daschle: “Today South Dakotans will welcome home the 109th Engineering Battalion of the South Dakota National Guard. This unit…”

“Today South Dakotans will welcome home the 109th Engineering Battalion of the South Dakota National Guard. This unit, headquartered in Sturgis, was among more than 20 Guard and Reserve units from my State called to active duty in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. On March 23, it became the first South Dakota unit to enter Iraq, and was the only South Dakota unit to operate in Iraq during the early days of combat. Today, these soldiers and their achievements become a part of South Dakota's military heritage. Like those who served in the two world wars, in Korea, in Vietnam, and in numerous other places, this new generation has answered the call. They have offered to make every sacrifice, including life itself, to protect our freedom and security. We must never forget them or the honor with which they served. The 109th Engineering Battalion is a headquarters battalion of 39 members, responsible for the management of several other units in carrying out engineering missions.”