Getting a hero’s welcome

Staff Sgt. Edward Krause smiled as he saw the crowds on Havre's Town Square Saturday afternoon.

People had gathered to take part in a welcomehome ceremony to the Havre-based 639th Combat Sustainment Supply Company of the Montana Army National Guard.

Krause is accustomed to deployment in Iraq.

This was the fourth time he has been sent to Iraq.

"One time, I was only back for six months before I was deployed again," he said.

He recalls the first time he went, he was a little skeptical of chances for a successful mission.

"There was a lot of uncertainty," he said. "No one was sure how it would come out."

But after his most recent deployment — he returned Dec. 31 — he came back way more optimistic.

He feels a real sense of accomplishment.

"We are leaving it far more stable country," he said.

"It will come to an end in August," he said, when combat operations will end.

Although his life was uprooted four times, he never gave it a second thought.

"You just go when you are called," he said.

Krause and other Guard members were treated To a police escort through town Saturday before they arrived to cheering crowds on Town Square.

Scouts saluted them, political and military leaders praised them and a minister prayed for them during the ceremonies organized by Carol Johnson.

"I know what it's like to come home and be welcomed like this," said Jed Damson, commander of Montana District 2 of the American Legion.

Damson said he didn't know all of the people being honored, "but as a veteran I feel like I do know you."

"I do thank you so very much for going over there," he said.

Capt. Jeremy Hedges told the crowd that while his troops were in Iraq, they were responsible for providing millions of gallons of fuel to military vehicles at the Victory Base complex. Bottled water was supplied to troops throughout Iraq, and all kinds of supplies were delivered by the 639th.

Hedges thanks the Havre community and several organizations for their support, but he singled out Carol Johnson, the mother of Staff Sgt. Brian Johnson, the organizer of the ceremonies.

Sgt. Justin O'Neil, the master of ceremonies and a recruiter for the National Guard, said he was "swept away," by Havre's support.

He said he has been proud to be associated with the Havre troops who are committed to being active in the community yet willing to be deplaoyed at a moment's notice to defend the country.

That kind of commitment is likely to continue, he said.

"This week I signed up a new recruit who just graduated from Havre High School," he said. "He is looking forward to becoming active in the community and being in the Guard."