Soldiers from 237th Engineer Company return from Iraq

By Stephanie Lee

More than 100 soldiers from the West Point-based 237th Engineer Company are set to return to Virginia Sunday, after serving in Iraq since Sept. 2007.

The welcome ceremony will take place at West Point High School at 2700 Mattaponi Ave. in West Point. The time has yet to be determined.

The 237th Engineer Company is a unit of combat engineers who specialize in demolitions and light infantry tactics, according to a statement from the Virginia Army National Guard. The unit's job is to conduct breaching operations ahead of maneuver elements.

While serving in Iraq, patrols searched for improvised explosive devices along main and alternate supply routes, the Virginia Army National Guard said. They conducted route clearance operations throughout eastern Baghdad and other engineer operations.

Four of the company’s soldiers died or were killed, according to the Virginia Army National Guard. A statuette honoring them has been erected outside of the Armory doors in West Point.

According to the Virginia Army National Guard, soldiers from the company were awarded nine Bronze Star Medals, six Purple Hearts, one Meritorious Service Medal, one Army Commendation Medal with Valor, 79 Army Commendation Medals, 29 Army Achievement Medals and one Battlefield Promotion.

Stephanie Lee, (757) 446-2628, stephanie.lee@pilotonline.com