The 1431st

On Tuesday, November 24th, soldiers from 3rd Platoon, 1431st Engineer Company (Sapper) Michigan Army National Guard, arrived home following a mission in Afganistan.

For 10-months, the 120 engineers from the 1431st performed more than 200 missions in Khost and Paktika provinces. Their primary mission was traveling some of the most dangerous roads in Afghanistan searching for IEDs; the number one threat to Coalition and Afghan forces. Up to their last mission on their last day together they successfully located and destroyed live IEDs.
According to U.S.Army 1st Sgt. Robert Jeannote, the 1st Sgt. for the 1431st Engineers and a native of Hubbell, MI, the unit would be awarded more than 40 purple hearts for acts of courage during this mission.

There was elated excitement as we gathered in the school's courtyard. I lined up with classes of Calumet school children - many waving flags or balloons, holding "Welcome Home" banners and giving cheers of thanks and for many shouts of thanksgiving, as the men - many of whom are Copper Country natives - arrived to participate in the discharge ceremony in the Calumet gymnasium. As I looked at the faces of those young men I saw a story behind each one - a story to be told of experiences and people, and of days that would add a new layer to who they are today and will be tomorrow.
I was so proud to be an American that day.