Welcome planned for unit's return this afternoon

By BENNETT HALL
Gazette-Times business editor

With a little luck, Bravo Company could come rolling over the Harrison Bridge just after lunch.

The Corvallis-based National Guard unit will be part of a convoy of 13 chartered buses ferrying the 700 members of the 2nd Battalion, 162nd Infantry, from an Army base near Tacoma to their homes after a year of active duty in Iraq.

"The buses are going to leave at approximately 9 a.m. from Fort Lewis, Washington," said Capt. Mike Braibish, a spokesman for the Oregon National Guard.

Barring unforeseen delays, the two buses carrying the local members of Bravo Company could get into town as early as 12:30 or 1 p.m.

However, Braibish cautioned, there's no way to predict the arrival time with certainty, and it could be 2 or even 3 p.m. before the caravan reaches Corvallis.

When they do get here, the returning soldiers can expect to find a substantial welcoming committee.

A number of local organizations have been making preparations to deck Harrison and Kings boulevards with yellow ribbons and American flags to greet the troops.The buses will have an Oregon State Police escort as they travel down Interstate 5.

They're expected to take Highway 34 from there, coming into town on Harrison Boulevard before turning north on Kings and proceeding to the Corvallis Armory. From there, the troops will disperse to their homes.

Even the weather is expected to cooperate. There's no rain in the forecast until the evening.

The Chamber of Commerce has been leading an effort to encourage residents to line the streets for Bravo Company's return.

"Find a place on Harrison and Kings, and be there to wave," urged Mary Nolan, the chamber's public affairs coordinator. "I expect a fairly sizable crowd right there at Harrison and Second, where the bridge comes into town."