A large crowd nearly packed the Carroll Athletic Stadium during today’s (Wednesday’s) send-off of the Carroll-based 168th Infantry Regiment, Alpha Company unit on a 12-month deployment. Family, friends, and community members gathered, wishing farewell to the National Guard soldiers deploying in Iraq in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. Capt. Alan Johnson, commander of the 168th Infantry Regiment’s Alpha Company, said it was overwhelming to see the amount of support everyone has and continues to give to this Regiment.
The guest speaker for the event was Carroll-area native Scott Siepker, who said that having no military experience, he would not offer advice on what lies ahead but rather share what doesn’t get spoken enough to these brave soldiers.
Capt. Johnson thanked everyone again, including the families, friends, and community members who stand behind each soldier in the company and ended the ceremony with words of encouragement for both the soldiers and those left behind.
Soldiers were given time to say goodbye to family and friends before loading the bus and heading to Ft. Johnson in Louisiana. The Carroll Police Department, Iowa State Patrol, Carroll Fire Department, motorcycles, and pedestrians all lined Grant Road, waving farewell to the 168th Regiment. Pictures from the send-off ceremony can be found included below.
