Soldiers Welcomed Home: 80th Institutional Training Division from Iraq

Photography by: Paulette Singleton

By: Paulette Singleton

Richmond, VA: Approximately 75 soldiers of the 80th Institutional Training Division from the Richmond-area were honored yesterday at a Welcome Home Warrior-Citizen Ceremony held outside at the Virginia War Memorial.

The ceremony lasted for two-hours. Family, friends, veterans of the Richmond-based U.S. Army Reserve unit and dignitaries were on hand to share and witness this historical momement.

Maj. Gen. David L. Evans, the division's commanding general, told the soldiers "You are the true American heroes of this generation. Thank you for a job well done."

The ceremony recognized the sacrifices of the 115 soldiers of the division's headquarters company and other Richmond-area members of the 80th who went to Iraq, as well as a few who served in Afghanistan.