The Iowa National Guard has announced 100 troops with an Ottumwa-based unit will be heading to Afghanistan. A send-off ceremony for the troops with the 833rd Engineer Company is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Monday, January 28 at the Hellyer Student Life Center at Indian Hills Community College in Ottumwa.
A release from the Iowa National Guard states the company’s mission is to “increase the combat effectiveness of United States and coalition forces by removing physical obstacles, identifying and reducing minefields and explosive devices, executing mobility missions, emplacing barriers, constructing protective positions and performing infantry missions.”
The unit previously served tours in Iraq from October 2004 to December 2005 and again from June 2007 to June 2008. The 833rd will initially be sent to Fort Bliss, Texas for additional training before the up to one year tour of duty in Afghanistan.