Returning soldiers to receive welcome
Members of the 222nd Military Police Company can each expect a hero's welcome when they return today after serving in Iraq.
The Patriot Guard will escort the men to a welcoming party at the Hornell Armory, said Kitty Oliver, a member of the Triple Deuce Club and wife of a member of the company.
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The company is expected to arrive at the Hornell Armory between 4 and 4:30 p.m. with a motorcycle escort from the Patriot Guard, which will meet the company's bus at 3:30 p.m. at exit 43.
Oliver said at least one Hammondsport fire truck is planning to meet the bus at exit 66 and provide an escort into Hornell. The Vietnam Veterans and Legacy Veterans motorcycle clubs, as well as the Steuben County Sheriff's department, will also participate, she said.
"They're going to be meeting along various points on Interstate 86," she said.
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The escort will arrive at the Hornell Armory, 100 Seneca St., where the street will be blocked off and families will be waiting.
"The community can line up when the bus comes down," said Jamie Clark, coordinator of the Family Readiness group and wife of a company member. "They're the local soldiers, so let's give them the welcome they deserve."