Gov. M. Jodi Rell congratulated the soldiers on a job well done. "We are all proud of you, and thank you for your leadership. We understand you mission was dangerous. You exhibit compassion and professionalism. I thank you for your exceptional service."

The primary mission of the 141st was to provide area medical evacuation and support to a Combat Support Hospital.

And, Rell presented members of the 141st Medical Company awards for dedication and outstanding dedication, which included the Bronze Star for exceptionally meritous service an outstanding dedication, the Iraqi Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and the Armed Forces Reserve Medal with "M" Device.

Anne-Marie Garcia of Wallingford, commander of the company, said that although she’s happy about the awards, she’s happy to be home safely.

"The awards are significant because we’ve spent 14 months away, but we don’t even think about awards. We’re happy to come home alive. What you see on television about the danger is real," Garcia said. "We were there for two major elections, and the mission was dangerous. But their life support was good. For soldiers you don’t realize the impact of the awards until you get home with your family."

The 141st Medical Company was deployed in August 2004 and participated in a mobilization training at Pinon Canyon in Trinidad, Colo. in support of Operation Bayonet Thrust which brought together units from all over the country that were preparing for mobilization to either Afghanistan or Iraq. In January 2005 they moved into Iraq and split into five different operating locations. They provided healthcare and ground evacuation to all U.S. coalition, third country nationals and Iraqis in their sector. The unit mobilized 54 soldiers, conducted 4,800 missions, treated and evacuated 12,214 patients and drove 15,180 miles.

Maj. Gen. Thaddeus J. Martin, the adjutant general and commander of the Connecticut National Guard said in a press release, "The outstanding performance by the 141st Medical Company Soldiers is in keeping with the finest traditions of military service reflects great credit upon the unit, the Connecticut Army National Guard and the United States Army."

Spc. Diadrian Ellington is relieved to be home. Ellington is in her senior year at the University of Connecticut.

"It’s a relief, I was worried about my family back here a lot," Ellington said. "I think being over there has given me a greater appreciation for different cultures and help me get to know them. It was great being able to help them too."

"This day for me is a symbol of a job well done. It’s nice to have something tangible to represent that."

Ellington’s mother, Valda, said that she is very happy to have her daughter back at home.

"I’m not worried anymore. It was like hell. Every time I watched the news, I wondered what was happening. If she didn’t call, I wouldn’t get any sleep. I’m very happy."

Franchone Fraser-Ben Reuben Bey can be reached at ffraser@newbritain

herald.com or by calling (860) 225-4601, Ext 306.