Company B, Det. 1, Rice Lake
Capt. Andrew Johanson, Commander
Letter from Capt. Johansen
Happy December Bulldog families! I wish you all the best through the holiday season. We are going to be experiencing an exciting month as our replacements arrive and we depart Iraq. Your Soldiers have done an outstanding job with this high-profile mission. The daily grind has taken its toll on the Soldiers’ minds, and they are ready to get back to lovely Wisconsin. The next few weeks will probably be the longest of the entire deployment because of the anticipation of the homecoming and reunion with family and friends. This time can also cause some Soldiers and families to experience a bit of anxiety because of the major change in their lifestyle. Please be patient with your Soldiers and I will stress the same to them.
As of right now, we are expecting to be back in Wisconsin around the middle of January. We will spend a few days at Ft. McCoy to go through the demobilization process, which in itself is painful, but very important. The Soldiers must focus on what needs to be done prior to being released back to you because of the long-term affect/benefits that will come from the demobilization process. Once we leave Ft. McCoy, my intent is to send one bus to Rice Lake and two buses to New Richmond. The FRG is putting together a short welcome home ceremony at both armories. I have encouraged the FRG to keep the ceremonies short, because I know that at that point the Soldiers just want to go home. It is an important piece for the communities to have some closure to the deployment as well. The communities have provided tremendous support for your Soldiers through the entire deployment, and I feel it is important for them to have the opportunity to welcome your heroes home.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Bulldog 6
CPT Andrew Johansen
Businesses to decorate store fronts for homecoming.
By mid January, our National Guard Soldiers of Company B, Det. 1 will be returning. We don’t have exact dates yet and we may only get a few days notice. We would like to show our soldiers that we support what they have been doing for our country. We are asking local businesses and homeowners to decorate their store front or front yards in support of their return. Start thinking how you can welcome them home. Watch for more updates in the local newspapers and radio.
Thank You for your support.
Jean Malsom
Chairperson, Family Readiness Group