Guard unit welcomed home in Storm Lake tonight

A welcome home ceremony is planned tonight (Friday) in Storm Lake for an Iowa Army National Guard unit. The troops of the first battalion, 194th Field Artillery, Fire Support Element were mobilized for Operation Iraqi Freedom. They’ve been in Iraq since January where they coordinated artillery and mortar fire and close air support for combat units. They also coordinated security missions and other combat operations. The soldiers were dubbed “The Magnificent Seven” during their sendoff, but only six are coming home. Specialist Gregory Tull of Pocathonas was killed in Iraq on November 25th. He was a gunner on an armored Humvee when it was struck by the explosion of a roadside bomb about 40 to 50 miles northwest of Baghdad. The homecoming ceremony will be held at six at the Storm Lake High School. The first batallion, 194th Field Artillery has units in Storm Lake, Spencer, Estherville, Algona, and Fort Dodge.