VFW welcomes National Guard home

Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #3296 and Auxiliary welcomed home soldiers of the Orofino Armory with the 116 Engineering Battalion of the National Guard home with a luncheon Feb. 11.

The 116th returned last fall from deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom III and this was their first drill weekend and a chance for the VFW to honor those served.

Photos: 1. Soldiers of the 116th Engineering Battalion with the Orofino Armory were welcomed home with a luncheon sponsored by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #3296 and Auxiliary. Shown in the background are from left: Lou Roane, Allen Brockmann and Post Commander Don Stork. 2. Staff Sgt. Johnny Powell turns to visit with someone while dishing up his salad. 3. Bravo Company 1st Sgt. Guy Vonbargen cuts the cake with an assist from Diane Wilson of the VFW Auxiliary. 4. VFW Auxiliary ladies help dish up the food for soldiers. The soldiers are from left: Spc. Lance Sabey, Sgt. Cole Roupe, Pvt. 1st Class Aaron Butler, Pvt. 1st Class Dylan Thennes and Spc. Kirk Karn. 5. Mayor Joe Pippenger talks with Vonbargen. 6. Staff Sgt. jason Hunsinger (left) and Sgt. Wright dish up salad.