31 Mar 2005

American Samoa soldiers on way home after duty in Iraq

9:29 am on 31 March 2005

The first group of about 45 soldiers from the US Army Reserve Unit in American Samoa is back in Hawaii after a one-year tour of duty in Iraq.

The troops were part of the 600 soldiers of the Pacific Army Reserve's 411th Engineer Battalion deployed to Iraq in March last year.

US Army Reserve spokesman, Lt Col Howard Sugai, said the troops, including those from American Samoa, are now undergoing 'out processing,' which includes a complete physical examination and completion of all paperwork.

Once that process is complete the American Samoa contingent will return home.

There will be an official welcome home ceremony for the troops in Pago Pago on April 30th.