On Sunday, Sept. 8, University of the Ozarks hosted a local Freedom Salute Ceremony in the Rogers Conference Center for 72 Army National Guard soldiers from the Clarksville and Conway, Ark., areas.
Seventy-two soldiers from the Arkansas 39th Brigade Special Troops Battalion were honored during a recent Freedom Salute Ceremony in the University’s Rogers Conference Center.
The soldiers were from the 39th Brigade Special Troops Battalion and were recognized for their recent nine-month deployment and mobilization in Afghanistan. Of the 72 soldiers, 13 had returned from their second deployment, nine from their third deployment, and five from their fourth deployment overseas.
Emma Bottorff, director of campus activities, organized the event and was moved by the ceremony.
"It was really touching to see the soldiers with their families," she said. "They had been deployed for nine months, and this was their official welcome back into civilian life. It was great event to have on campus because we were able to offer some service back to those who have been serving our country."
The Freedom Salute is a nationwide campaign organized to honor members of the Army National Guard who have served in Operations Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom and Noble Eagle.
Topics: Community Events