1161st members arrive home safe

EPHRATA — All members of the Ephrata-based 1161st Transportation Company are home from Iraq without any casualties.

Roughly 170 soldiers recently returned from overseas duty after being deployed for Operation Iraqi Freedom, according to the Washington National Guard.

On Tuesday, Major Sandy Smock, of the Washington National Guard Public Affairs, described the scene at a homecoming in Spokane.

“It was a homecoming which involved the soldiers’ family, friends and their community,” Smock stated.

“To see so much support from everyone present was appreciated by all the soldiers,” she commented. “Soldiers were able to hold their new babies, an engagement ring was presented and over 30 Patriot Guard members welcomed home fellow veterans with salutes.”

Task Force 1161st is made up of soldiers from 1161st Transportation Company from Ephrata and the 104th Transportation Company from Spokane.

The soldiers operated tractor-trailers for long-haul truck driving.

“We are proud of the service and dedication shown by Task Force 116i1st. Their long hours on the road and tireless work ethic kept vital supplies flowing to U.S. forces in Iraq,” stated Major General Timothy J. Lowenberg, the adjutant general and commander of the Washington National Guard.

The members completed 361 convoys, moved 31,402,430 pounds of cargo and supplies and delivered 71,000 pallets of water, according to the Washington National Guard.