Macomb, IL – Illinois National Guard troops based in Macomb returned to western Illinois after spending the past year in Iraq running convoy security and other security patrols. They arrived home in time for the holidays, though the hour of their return was not exactly ideal. The troops arrived at the Macomb Armory shortly before 3:00 a.m. Sunday. Despite the pre-dawn hour, hundreds of people packed the building's gymnasium to greet the soldiers. Two members of the unit received the Purple Heart during the brief homecoming ceremony. Both were injured by a roadside bomb that killed Staff Sergeant Kyle Wehrly, who was the only member of the unit who died in Iraq. Listen to Rich Egger's feature on the homecoming by clicking on the audio button above.
Hundreds Greet Returning Troops in Macomb
