DUBLIN -- Soldiers with the 37th Infantry Brigade Combat Team were deployed to Afghanistan eight months ago. In November, they returned home.
Sunday afternoon, the state of Ohio gave those returning soldiers a homecoming, honoring them for their service overseas.
"This is a happy time, we want to make sure we do everything we can to integrate them back into their home, their jobs, their schools and back into the community," said Maj. Gen. Deborah Ashenhurst of the Ohio National Guard.
30 percent of the troops returning from battle are unemployed. Maj. Gen. Ashenhurst says it's the state's goal to improve that statistic by making more jobs available for veterans.
That's just one challenge troops with the 37th Infantry Brigade face. The other, the loss of three fellow soldiers: Capt. Nicholas Rozanski, Sgt. Shawn Hannon and Sgt. Jeffrey Rieck, all of central Ohio.
"I think they're going to be heroes forever in the hearts of all of us and the hearts of all Americans," Spc. David Menetrey said.
The soldiers returning say their sacrifices will not be forgotten, but for the first time, they have the opportunity to honor those fallen soldiers at home.
Sunday afternoon, the state of Ohio gave those returning soldiers a homecoming, honoring them for their service overseas.
"This is a happy time, we want to make sure we do everything we can to integrate them back into their home, their jobs, their schools and back into the community," said Maj. Gen. Deborah Ashenhurst of the Ohio National Guard.
30 percent of the troops returning from battle are unemployed. Maj. Gen. Ashenhurst says it's the state's goal to improve that statistic by making more jobs available for veterans.
That's just one challenge troops with the 37th Infantry Brigade face. The other, the loss of three fellow soldiers: Capt. Nicholas Rozanski, Sgt. Shawn Hannon and Sgt. Jeffrey Rieck, all of central Ohio.
"I think they're going to be heroes forever in the hearts of all of us and the hearts of all Americans," Spc. David Menetrey said.
The soldiers returning say their sacrifices will not be forgotten, but for the first time, they have the opportunity to honor those fallen soldiers at home.
