The National Guard 1437th Engineer Company returned to the Upper Peninsula Wednesday, August 25, following a tour in Iraq where company members maintained and built bridges. Among the company was Nathyn Thompson, a 2008 LaSalle graduate. Spec. Thompson's family met with him after returning to the Sault Ste. Marie Armory. Pictured are Janice Morin, Tim Thompson, Ryan Thompson, Spec. Thompson, Ely North, Kim North, Tanner North, and Jim North. (North family photograph) The National Guard 1437th Engineer Company returned to the Upper Peninsula Wednesday, August 25, from their deployment to Iraq with great fanfare as a police escort heralded their arrival at Sault Ste. Marie and a contingent of motorcycles composed of the Forgotten Eagles, American Legion Riders, and Patriot Riders celebrated their return. Excited families held up signs welcoming the National Guard members back from their journey overseas as they traveled back to the Sault Ste. Marie Armory.

“There was quite a crowd downtown. It looked like a parade,” Jim North of St. Ignace, father of soldier Specialist Nathyn Thompson said. “They kind of got the royal treatment.”

The guardsmen were deployed to Iraq as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom, where the company built and maintained bridges. The company deployed to Fort McCoy in Wisconsin November 20, 2009, for training before traveling overseas for a planned year of service. Much of the work was performed at night, Mr. North said, with temperatures reaching 130 degrees in the morning. Every member of the company returned safely from the tour.

Spec. Thompson, a 2008 LaSalle High School graduate, plans to attend college to study psychology Mr. North said. He will also continue to serve the National Guard.

“We're sure glad to have him home,” he said.

Spec. Thompson is the son of Jim and Kim North and Tim Thompson and Janice Morin. He has three brothers, Ely North, Ryan Thompson, and Tanner North.