Libby welcomes Guardsmen home
Tessa Roberts holds 2-year-old Cruzier Sharp while Jeff Sharp operates a video camera Friday afternoon as members of the National Guard's 639th Unit arrive in Libby after a year in Iraq.
By STEVE KADEL Western News Reporter
Libby residents poured out of shops and homes Friday to give a heartfelt welcome to a dozen National Guard soldiers returning from Iraq.
People stood along Mineral and California avenues to wave and applaud as a procession bolstered by emergency services vehicles wound through downtown Libby.
Dozens of U.S. flags lined the sidewalks in late afternoon sun. A 2-year-old child held out a flag larger than his chest. A rotund spectator carried a tiny flag the size of his palm. One elderly man stood in silent salute. And seemingly every storefront was decorated with yellow signs celebrating the occasion.
Well-wishers began gathering near Whiskey Hill before 3 p.m., the announced arrival time. But departure from Kalispell was delayed and the troops didn't show up until 5 p.m.
That didn't matter to most folks. The soldiers had been away from Lincoln County for 15 months - including a year in Iraq - and a couple of more hours wasn't going to discourage anyone.
After making a loop of the downtown blocks, the procession ended at the National Guard Armory.
Hugs, a few tears and several tired smiles marked the parking lot scene as relatives and friends got to touch loved ones again.
Brian Kieffer wrapped his arms around Sgt. Gary Good, a buddy from high school days.
"I'm home now," Good said.
"Thank God," Kieffer replied.
The Guard unit spent Thursday night in Kalispell undergoing what one soldier called "way too many briefings." They were cautioned to take things slowly as they return to civilian life, especially when it comes to being with family members again.
Rich Brant of Libby and Amber Brester of Laurel were among those at the armory. They
began a romance one month after meeting at Fort Carson before going to Iraq, she said, and a wedding is in their near future.
Brant plans to resume his old job at Rosauers. After getting some rest, that is.
He's proud of what is being accomplished in Iraq.
"It's a small country but a lot of big things are happening," Brant said.
It was inspiring to see how highly the Iraqi citizens held their new ability to participate in a free election, he added. Many people walked miles and miles to cast their vote.
Now released from the disciplined military lifestyle, soldiers of the 639th have a new appreciation for their own emancipation.
"The taste of freedom has never been so sweet," Brant said.