SALEM, Ore. (AP) — An Oregon Army National Guard helicopter unit that helped evacuate more that 1,000 wounded soldiers and civilians In Iraq has been formally welcomed home from its deployment.
The deployment of C Company, 7th Battalion, 158th Aviation Regiment was the first time all 12 of the unit’s Black Hawk helicopters have left the state, where they were depended upon for mountain rescues, searches and body recoveries.
Gov. Ted Kulongoski thanked the 113 soldiers at a Monday ceremony, saying there is no higher calling than to risk danger so others might live. The unit served a year in Iraq, specializing in medical evacuations.
