North Carolina welcomed home soldiers of the 30^th Heavy Separate Brigade and their families with a day long celebration at the RBC Center in Raleigh on Saturday, June 25.

The celebration included an official ceremony featuring addresses from Governor Mike Easley, Secretary of the Army Francis Harvey, Forces Command Commander Gen. Dan K. McNeill, N.C. Adjutant General MG William Ingram, Jr., and 30th Brigade Commander Brig. Gen. Dan Hickman.

"It is an honor and a privilege to recognize and celebrate the more than 4,500 courageous men and women who are the 30^th Heavy Separate Brigade," said Gov. Easley. "Their dedication and willingness to serve exemplifies the commitment of the National Guard.  These men and women are the vanguard of our country's freedom, defending life and liberty around the world."

The soldiers and their families enjoyed a concert by the Grammy award-winning band Hootie and the Blowfish, as well as other entertainment sponsored by the Centennial Authority and the United Services Organization (USO).  Outside events included games, family activities, displays of military equipment, music and a National Guard-sponsored NASCAR race car. 

The 30^th HSB was called to active duty on Oct. 1^st 2003 to deploy with the 1^st Infantry Division on Operation Iraqi Freedom II. The brigade was the first National Guard Combat Brigade called for duty in Iraq.  As the only National Guard Brigade Combat Team assigned an Area of Operation during the Iraqi Freedom, they completed over 19,000 combat patrols, captured several high value insurgents, initiated about $18 million dollars worth of projects improving schools and infrastructure in Iraq, and supported the Iraqi Security Forces in the Eastern Diyala Province of Iraq along the Iranian border.

The RBC Center and its sponsors honored the soldiers of the 30^th HSB by donating the use of the facility, staff and coordinating the numerous sponsors.  Countless volunteer hours and support were donated by a variety of vendors, businesses and individuals.