639th expected home next week

The Family Readiness Group has asked businesses to complete decorations by noon on March 2 for the return of the 639th Quartermaster Company of the Montana National Guard.

Due to security concerns, the military has not yet confirmed the arrival date of the 117 soldiers.

However, the local readiness group has announced the company will return next week from Iraq.

Theresa Johnston, president of the group, said earlier the celebration will resemble the large events held for two previous units returning from Iraq: the Guard's Headquarters 495th Transportation Battalion and reservists of the 889th Quartermaster Company.

The main event is a welcoming parade after the soldiers arrive at Glacier Park International Airport.

The route announced Monday will go from the airport to Main Street to 11th Street West to Fifth Avenue West to U.S. 2, ending at the entrance to the county fairgrounds.

The public is asked to bring flags, banners and signs of support.

The procession will include the soldiers and their families escorted by fire trucks and local law enforcement.

Due to security and limited parking, the readiness group asks the public not to attend the airport arrival. The fairgrounds welcome also is restricted to families and invited guests due to the limited space for the celebration and the large number of soldiers.

Organizers say they will confirm the unit's arrival date several days before the parade.

A team from the Family Readiness Group began preparations weeks ago by wrapping 36,000 yards of yellow ribbon on trees and posts from the airport to the armory in south Kalispell.

The 639th has been deployed since December 2003.

The Montana National Guard unit performs a variety of supply missions in support of up to 18,000 soldiers serving in Iraq, including providing food, water, vehicle maintenance services, fuel and fuel support.

The soldiers from both Flathead and Lincoln counties came to national attention when their unit delivered fuel to a particularly dangerous area of Iraq after another unit refused the mission because of insufficient armor on its vehicles.

Reporter Candace Chase may be reached at 758-4436 or by e-mail at cchase@dailyinterlake.com.