An Iowa National Guard unit that served in Afghanistan received the Citizen Patriot Unit Award from the U.S. Department of Defense.
The award was presented to members of the2nd Brigade, 34th Infantry Division based in Boone, Iowa. The unit is also known as the Red Bulls.
The award recognizes the unit’s “exemplary service while deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom,” said a National Guard spokesman.
The brigade was one of 12 groups nominated for the award from all of the armed services.
The 34th Infantry Division was recognized for service in harm’s way, performance characterized as “magnificent” and for its sacrifice and continued service despite losing four soldiers in Afghanistan.
Army Col. Benjamin corell, former commander of the 34th Infantry division, accepted the Citizen Patriot Unit Award on behalf of the Red Bulls at an award ceremony at Fort Meyer, Virginia September 5, 2012.
