Public can welcome returning soldiers on June 11

The public is invited to welcome returning Army National Guard soldiers on June 11 at 10:05 a.m. They will land at Signature Aviation. CONTRIBUTED (Source: www.al.ngb.army.mil/alabamaguardsman)

MADISON – Residents can show their patriotism and gratitude when 100 soldiers with Alabama Army National Guard Company A, 136 Expeditionary Signal Battalion land in Huntsville on June 11.

“Here’s your chance! Come show support for returning soldiers. Come join me, and help us welcome these soldiers home,” Louise ‘Lou’ Lehman Sams said. Sams is serving as homecoming committee spokesperson for USAA.

The solders are scheduled to arrive at Signature Aviation, adjacent to the terminal at Huntsville International Airport, by charter plane on June 11 at 10:05 a.m. “They are returning from a one-year mission to seven countries in support of ARCENT missions,” Sams said.

The public is invited to this free event. The Army Materiel Command (AMC) Acoustic Band will entertain the audience.

“While deployed, these soldiers provided tactical and strategic assets to war fighters and other elements within their assigned area of operations,” Sams said. “The unit is based in Arab but has members from towns across the state of Alabama, as well as some other states.”

For public parking, directional signs will be placed in advance. The signs will state “EVENT.” Do not park in the Signature parking lot. Parking personnel will be posted to guide visitors to the designated parking location.

Families and media cannot arrive earlier than 8 a.m.

“The event will be inside an aircraft hangar, so bring your own lawn chairs,” Sams said.

All media and families will be required to remain inside the designated hangar because of TSA requirements. The area is a secured TSA location and special permission has been obtained to use this facility, Sams said.