Veteran of Foreign Wars Saipan Post 3457 Cmdr. Larry Guerrero said the troops with the Echo Company, 100th Battalion, 442nd Infantry Brigade will arrive at the Saipan airport on a chartered flight.
The original schedule was 11 p.m. today but this was moved to Sunday at 1:15 p.m., according to Echo Company unit administrator Berta Tudela.
Tudela said they are expecting Gov. Benigno R. Fitial, retired Judge Edward Manibusan and other officials to welcome the troops, which comprised the second deployment from the CNMI.
Guerrero said the troops were deployed in July last year.
Press Secretary Charles P. Reyes Jr. said “the governor is looking forward to welcoming our returning troops.”
The VFW “adopted” the Echo Company, Guerrero said, and his group will be among those who will welcome the arrival of the troops.
“We will be lining up along Airport Road to welcome them,” Guerrero said, as he encouraged members of the community to join VFW.
He said families, spouses and children of the servicemembers are expected to gather at the airport.
“We will salute our heroes and appreciate their courage in fighting the global war on terrorism,” he added.
Guerrero is encouraging the community to bring yellow ribbons and banners to greet the troops from the airport to the exit point of the Airport Road where the troops will then head to their respective homes.
“We are very proud of the troops and we look forward for their best in their future endeavors. We heartily support also their families,” Guerrero said.
