Largest Wash. National Guard unit on its way home

SEATTLE — Washington National Guard’s largest unit has finished its nine-month tour of duty in Iraq and is on its way home. A ceremony at Camp Ramadi earlier this week signaled the end of the 81st Heavy Brigade Combat Team’s second tour of duty in Iraq. Staff Sgt. Emily Suhr says it is still unclear exactly when the soldiers will be returning to Washington. The brigade’s six battalions and headquarters companies worked at 10 different bases in Iraq. Much of their duties involved protecting convoys that transport fuel, food and other supplies. The brigade includes soldiers from all over Washington state, plus some from California.