California National Guard Soldiers leave Iraq

Photo By Sgt. Sarah Scully | A wounded California National Guard Soldier from Company B, 2nd Battalion, 185th Armor Regiment uses crutches as he exits a Navy MH-53E "Black Stallion" helicopter with other Soldiers from his unit at an airfield in Kuwait after 12 months in Iraq.  

(UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)

12.14.2006

Courtesy Story

40th Public Affairs Detachment

By Sgt. Sarah Scully
40th Public Affairs Detachment

SOUTHWEST ASIA -- About 150 California National Guard Soldiers from Company B, 2nd Battalion, 185th Armor Regiment left Iraq Dec. 14 on their way home after 12 months in combat.

"There's not a better feeling," said Sgt. Nathan Longshore, with Co. B., as he saw his last view of Iraq. "It's been a long tour - I miss home."

Wearing body armor and carrying bags of gear, the Soldiers looked out the back of a Navy MH-53E "Black Stallion" helicopter as they headed out of Iraq and crossed into Kuwait.

The Soldiers gazed past a .50-caliber machine gun named "The Righteous Hammer of Death," as they soared over the desert.

At their last view of Iraq, the Soldiers smiled and took pictures out the back of the helicopter.

Based out of San Diego, Calif., the National Guard unit will return home to waiting families and friends.

• Date Taken: 12.14.2006
• Date Posted: 12.17.2006 11:06
• Story ID: 8591
• Location: (UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)