Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
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Samantha Hayes reporting For a year, soldiers from the 141st Intelligence Battalion endured hardships, while gathering information in Iraq.
Tonight, they relaxed and enjoyed a taste of the good life together, as a family of soldiers.
In appreciation of their service, the Hilton sponsored a family get-together for the soldiers.
Take away the tanks and the tents, and soldiers of 141st Intelligence Battalion are seeing each other in a whole new light.
Lt. John Darrington Utah National Guard: It’s different to see them in civilian clothes and in this type of environment. Kind of rough to get used to. But big hugs all around and true friendship that will last forever."
Sgt. Ron Holmberg Utah National Guard: We would have killed for a pool...the hottest days were a week long about 150 degrees or more."
Now back at home..the responsibilities have changed quite a lot.
Just a few months ago, Lt. John Darrington and his soldiers went from town to town in Iraq searching for information.
Lt. John Darrington: ”Pounding the pavement trying to get good information from people who would talk to us anyone who would talk to us."
That information was edited through soldiers like Captain Greg Cassat.
Cpt. Greg Cassat Utah National Guard: “All of that information was used to piece together and help those people who went through and captured Saddam."
A moment they'll never forget.
Cpt. Greg Cassat Utah National Guard: “It was just, it just, it still give me chills. It was amazing."
Lt. John Darrington: “Everyone wants to complete the job the first day out, having been there for almost a year when we found out in December..it was nice to know that we completed the mission."
Now its time to kick back...meet each other's families and play with the kids..all those things they longed to do while away.
