WASHINGTON   –  U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson (MO-08) today expressed her thanks and gratitude to the soldiers of the 955th Army Reserve unit, 40 of whom were welcomed in Cape Girardeau as they returned home on Saturday.

“It’s a great sacrifice to leave your home, your family, your friends and your career, but these Missourians put aside any selfish interest and went to serve their country,” Emerson said.  “I’m so proud of them, and I am extraordinarily grateful for their safe return to the loved ones who have missed them so much.”

The soldiers had served in Iraq for the last 12 months as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

“Our long and great tradition of service to our community and our country is attributable to Americans like the Reservists we welcomed home this weekend.  They will continue to be an inspiring example in Southern Missouri, and I also know they will continue to do good things to help us build at home just like they have done so much good work to help the Iraqi people build on a new, free foundation.”

The Cape Girardeau Police Department, Cape Girardeau Fire Department, and the Patriot Guard Riders escorted the Army Reserve bus through the city.

“All over our state, the soldiers of the 955th returned home this weekend.  I know the welcome they got in other parts of our state was just as warm and sincere as the one they got in Cape Girardeau.  I speak for everyone in the Eighth Congressional District when I express how humbled and honored I am by the selfless service of all our men and women in uniform as well as their families.”