Beyond the Yellow Ribbon

by Tom Crann, Minnesota Public Radio

St. Paul, Minn. — Soldiers from Minnesota's National Guard Red Bull brigade continue to return home from their deployment in Iraq. The first units were welcomed home two weeks ago and another group of 200 return home Friday evening.

Since last May, the Red Bulls were responsible for military command of the southern third of Iraq. They coordinated building projects and trained Iraqis for the eventual withdrawal of U.S. troops.

Ultimately, more than 1,200 soldiers from the 34th infantry division will come back to their families and friends after serving for a year.

MPR's Tom Crann spoke with Colonel Barbara O'Riley of the Minnesota National Guard's "Beyond the Yellow Ribbon" program, which aims to help soldiers with the transition to civilian life.

Broadcast Dates

• All Things Considered, 02/05/2010, 5:54 p.m.