WEST POINT -- The 104 members of a Virginia Guard unit that endured months of dangerous duty in Iraq received a hero's homecoming yesterday.

Gov. Timothy M. Kaine extended his welcome at a ceremony at West Point High School, just down the street from the 237th Engineer Company's headquarters.

The soldiers were greeted by friends, family and townspeople bearing handwritten signs of relief that they had made it home.

"I think it was excellent," Spc. Jacob Grubbs of Hopewell said of the fanfare while gripping girlfriend Jessica Beggs' hand.

"I haven't seen him forever," Beggs said as she pulled Grubbs, wearing camouflage fatigues, close for a hug.

The Guard unit, which arrived in Iraq in September, had the risky job of clearing roads of improvised explosive devices. The unit played a major role opening roads into the Baghdad suburb of Sadr City so Iraqi forces could sweep out Shiite militias.

Three soldiers of the 237th were killed by IEDs, and a fourth died of illness while training for the Iraq mission at Fort McCoy, Wis.

Yesterday, the soldiers and audience observed a moment of silence for their lost comrades. Sgt. David E. Lambert, 39, of Cedar Bluff in Southwest Virginia died Oct. 26 when an explosive device struck his vehicle. Sgt. Derek R. Banks, 24, of Newport News died in November of wounds suffered from the same attack. Staff Sgt. Jeremiah McNeal, 23, of Norfolk was on his second tour of duty in Iraq when he was killed April 6 after his vehicle was hit by an IED. Staff Sgt. Jonathan M. Forde, 26, of Vienna died of illness on Aug. 13 at Fort McCoy.

Ninety-three soldiers have earned or been nominated for the Combat Action Badge for engagements with enemy forces.

Jason Mawyer of Richmond, who drove to West Point to welcome Grubbs home, said he is relieved his friend is safe.

"I worried a lot," Mawyer said. "I prayed for him every night."
Contact Lawrence Latané III at (804) 333-3461 or llatane@timesdispatch.com.