CAMP MURRAY, WA - The Washington National Guard will welcome home from Afghanistan approximately 100 citizen-soldiers in a ceremony scheduled for 11:45 a.m. on Tuesday, November 9 at Building 33 on Camp Murray.  

The soldiers belong to the Washington Army National Guard's 204th Engineer Company headquartered in Centralia. Their missions in Afghanistan focused on route and area reconnaissance and clearance.

"The 204th's mission was absolutely vital to coalition efforts in Afghanistan.  We are very happy to have them back home and I congratulate them for record of excellence," said Major General Timothy J. Lowenberg, the Adjutant General and Commander of the Washington National Guard.

Soldiers of the 204th were consistently recognized for their excellence during their year serving in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Two Purple Hearts, 38 Combat Action Badges and 61 Army Commendation Medals were awarded to 204th soldiers; a number of other awards are still pending consideration.