Next week there will begin a deployment of National Guard soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 133rd Infantry, or “Ironman Battalion,” heading to the Middle East. Before deployment the battalion will first train at Fort Johnson, Louisiana.
One of the sendoff ceremonies taking place on Wednesday evening at 5:45 at the Dubuque County Fairgrounds, doors will open at 5:15.
Following ceremonies there will be a parade at 6:30 for the busses. The parade route will follow Old Highway Road to Dodge Street then to South Grandview Avenue and then to Highway 61 South
Some 1,800 Iowa National Guard soldiers in total will be part of the deployment.