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From sidewalks to state line, Mt. Pleasant stands behind the 224th
Hundreds gathered across Mt. Pleasant and beyond to show support as the Iowa National Guard’s 224th Battalion began its yearlong deployment — with flags waving, engines roaring, and a message of unity stretching all the way to the state line
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MT. PLEASANT — Residents of Mt. Pleasant and surrounding communities gathered Thursday, May 29, to send off the Iowa National Guard’s Alpha Company, 224th Brigade Engineer Battalion, as it departed for a yearlong deployment to the Middle East in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.
The deployment is part of what the National Guard has called “the largest mobilization of Iowa Guardsmen in over a decade,” with more than 1,800 soldiers deploying across the state.
In Mt. Pleasant, the community turned out in force. Supporters lined the streets, held signs, and waved flags as the unit’s convoy rolled out. A formation of more than 70 motorcycles led the buses carrying the soldiers — a sight many attendees described as unforgettable.
“Inspirational,” William Kinney, a local resident, said. “The line of motorcycles leading the buses, the amount of people who showed up to support the troops, and the overall atmosphere was nothing short of incredible. Mt. Pleasant really showed up and showed out for the home team in Army green.”
Retired First Sergeant Jesse Howard of New London, who had been involved in the enlistment process for nearly half the soldiers, also praised the turnout.
“It was amazing to witness the overwhelming outpouring of support — families, friends, and proud citizens lining the streets and standing on the pedestrian bridge, waving American flags and holding homemade signs of encouragement as the convoy rolled through,” Howard said. “The sight of over 70 motorcycles leading the buses was absolutely stunning.”
Community member Jill Daniel helped rally local attendance. After posting on social media and distributing flyers with her husband, she said she was overwhelmed by the response.
“What started as a simple Facebook post asking if anyone would join me on the bridge, along with my husband creating a flyer and making an announcement at the Memorial Day ceremony, turned into something more meaningful than we ever could have imagined,” Daniel said.
Daniel, the wife of a veteran, said the event was especially meaningful to her even though she did not personally know anyone deploying.
“The turnout for the Mt. Pleasant send-off was truly exceptional,” she said. “Our community showed up in full force to support the troops who protect our freedom every day. Standing on the packed pedestrian bridge was an unforgettable experience — looking to the north and south, both bridges were lined with people, waving flags and holding heartfelt signs.”
She noted that her son-in-law, now retired from the military, deployed in 2020, giving her some perspective on what families experience.
“My husband is a veteran and all veterans and active military personnel are very important and special to us,” Daniel said. “We know how hard it is to tell these soldiers goodbye.”
Melanie Patton, who watched the procession from the east side of town, said the support extended far beyond Mt. Pleasant.
“Mt. Pleasant was awesome, but also seeing everyone all the way down the highway from our vantage point was pretty cool,” Patton said. “I was proud of southeast Iowa for showing up all over.”
Patton said she knew someone deploying with the battalion, and that her own family’s military background made the moment personal.
“My nephew served in the Marines during Desert Storm,” she said. “Seeing this area come out and support the troops was impactful for me.”
Local agencies joined the effort to honor the unit.
“The Donnellson Fire Department had the honor of lining the route to join in sending them off,” the department stated following the send-off. “Our thoughts are with each of these men and women as well as their families as they embark on their deployment.”
The Henry County Sheriff’s Office also expressed support by not only showing up, but also sharing the following to social media: “Our thoughts and prayers go with the 224th Engineer Battalion as they deploy. We’re proud of these local men and women that are defending our freedoms.”
Patton summed up the atmosphere simply: “We supported them and sent them off — Iowa proud.”
Comments: AnnaMarie.Kruse@southeastiowaunion.com
