Estherville, IA (Norrhtwestiowanow.com) — You’re invited to Thursday’s sendoff of local soldiers from the National Guard Armory in Estherville, and you’re encouraged to bring signs and American flags.
As we previously reported, members of the 1194 Field Artillery Thunder Battalion have been called up to serve in “Operation Inherent Resolve” in the Middle East. Before their final deployment troops will spend two weeks at the Joint Readiness Training Center in Louisiana.

Iowa National Guard Adjutant General Stephen Osborn says today’s guard members joined at a time when deployment was probable.

Osborn says the Iowa soldiers seem ready.

Emmet County Veterans Affair Director Casee Ross asks you to be lined up on Central Avenue at 1pm.