Guard members return from mission in Iraq

About 200 Iowa Air National Guard members have been waiting for this day for some time. They’re returning home from a month-long mission in the Persian Gulf, flying patrols over Iraq. A spokesman says the airmen are proud to have served but are thankful the assignment is over.Major Tim Leonard is spokesman for the 132nd Fighter Wing, based in Des Moines. Leonard says several squadrons of F-16 fighter jets were deployed along with flight crews, maintenance staff, security teams and other personnel. Several recent reports detailed U-S planes being involved in attacks on military targets in northern Iraq. Major Leonard says no Iowans were injured and no planes were damaged. Leonard says the Iowa Guard was involved in those missions, but couldn’t elaborate.The Guard members are scheduled to return to Des Moines about 9 p-m on a military charter aircraft. A homecoming rally is planned at the base.