Illinois National Guard returns from Afghanistan

Heroes welcomed home at Soldier Field
Monday, August 03, 2009 4:36 PM


By Linda Yu
August 3, 2009 (CHICAGO) (WLS) -- After a year in Afghanistan, 180 members of the Illinois National Guard are finally back home in Chicago.
Cheering crowds greeted the troops at Soldier Field. Families were patient as Governor Pat Quinn addressed the Chicago-based troops-- from the Illinois Army National Guard Headquarters Co., 1-178th Infantry, 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat team-- during the quick ceremony.
Despite the roar from the crowd, soldiers kept their eyes straight ahead and marched in formation as they waited for that one word-- dismissed. Then, the rush to find loved ones.
"My stomach hurts. My head hurts. I have seven kids and he's the baby," said Josephine Richnn=rds, mother of returning soldier. "I'm glad they're all back safe."
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