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There was special recognition and reward for a Utah National Guard unit that spent more than a year in Iraq.
Members of the 116th Convoy Security Company put themselves in harm's way daily in Iraq. In fact, one of the men was injured right in the beginning of the mission, but every soldier survived and is home to receive a special award.
Talk about a story to tell! These men escorted soldiers and equipment in and out of Iraq's hot zones. Saturday they talked not only about this award they've received but life in a grueling war and life after it. In the sound of national pride, they have an attitude of humility.
Specialist Al Davis told us, "I did my job, that's all I did."
But that job came with real sacrifice.
Capt. David Cochran said, "The 116th has done great things. We were the first all-volunteer force to go out and do this mission."
So the music Saturday, and the award that follows, is sweet to the ears. The men earned the Freedom Salute Award.
Davis said, "It does feel good. It feels really good."
Specialist Michael Miller said, "I didn't need any special recognition, but it's nice that people are noticing."
For more than a year, the soldiers provided convoy security in Iraq. Cochran said, "So we drove up and down the road every day, every night, escorting trucks in and out of Iraq."
It was not an easy job. In fact, it was a scary one. "When the IED went off next to me, about 10 feet away from me, and if I didn't have the armor we had, I'd probably be dead right now," Cochran said.
Now the battle's behind them, and Davis says, "It's just great to be home. I'm loving it."
But others are facing the new battle of adjusting to home life. "I was quite angry for a while, then a couple of weeks ago I started loosening up," Cochran told us.
Through it all, Davis said, "I found myself understanding more of the plight my forefathers fought for me." Now, generations later, these soldiers are honored for their plight.
There were 160 soldiers honored Saturday, but 17 men of the 116th Company are still serving in Iraq.
E-mail: gkennedy@ksl.com
