Minnesota Guard members among last to leave Iraq

By Army Cpl. Zachary Mangas

Soldiers of Company C, 1st Combined Arms Battalion, 194th Armor, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division, based out of Sauk Centre, Minn., assemble and disassemble a M240B machine gun at Camp Virginia, Kuwait, Jan. 19, 2012, as they prepare to be tested on their gunnery skills in the coming weeks. The company is now acting as part of a quick response force for the Middle East after successfully completing their initial mission of convoy escort security in Iraq. (U.S. Army photo by Cpl. Zachary Mangas)
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CAMP VIRGINIA, Kuwait (1/23/12) - On the morning of Dec. 17, 2011, the final convoy escort team for Company C, 1st Combined Arms Battalion 194th Armor, call sign “Crazyhorse,” returned here after a mission up to Camp Adder, Iraq, assisting in the base closure process.

It was a historical moment for the Minnesota Soldiers; they were some of the last to enter Iraq and some of the last to leave.

“It was a good trip, a little foggy on our way back but we pushed on through regardless of weather conditions and made it back safe and sound,” said Army Sgt. Jeffery J. McArthur, vehicle commander from Baxter, Minn. “Camp Adder was like a ghost town, being the last base to close, so it was a little interesting at times, but we’re back, and it feels good to have accomplished our mission.”

The convoy escort team mission was the same as it has been before - to safely escort a herd of semi-trucks in and out of Iraq. However, this time their mission was providing security on some of the last cargo loads of equipment and supplies during Operation New Dawn. Crazyhorse has been busy – completing 207 missions since their arrival in theater. The mission up to Camp Adder was the very last mission in Iraq for the company.

“It was pretty barren up there,” said Army 1st Lt. Mitchell A. Goenner, 2nd Platoon Leader and Convoy Commander from Vadnais Heights, Minn. “It feels pretty good to be part of history. It was a mission, not filled with all the guns and glory, but something I can tell my grandkids down the line. My team all did a great job, and I’m proud of them.”

The following day on Dec. 18, the final convoys made their way over the Kuwait border arriving at Camp Virginia. Media from around the world gathered to report on the historical day, a day that signified the end to the Iraq war and a successful end of mission for Crazyhorse during Operation New Dawn. The company traveled a combined total of 283,982 miles while escorting more than 9,000 semi-trucks and 21-million gallons of fuel.

The company made up of 136 Soldiers is now acting as part of a quick response force for the Middle East after successfully completing their initial mission of convoy escort security in Iraq.

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