Scranton Colonel Reacts to End of Iraq War | News

Nearly nine years after the invasion of Iraq, the war has officially ended.

More than 3000 soldiers were sent from the 55th Heavy Brigade Combat Team based here in Scranton.

Unfortunately, some never came back. But their commander says today is a day to celebrate and also a day to remember those we lost during the nine year long Iraq war.

Colonel Mike Konzmann of the National Guard's 55th Heavy Brigade Combat Team commanded a unit over in Iraq back in 2005, a unit that saw seven soldiers make the ultimate sacrifice.

"It`s a day to sit back, reflect, remember them, remember what they did. They paid the ultimate sacrifice bringing this change about," said Colonel Konzmann.

But despite the losses, Colonel Konzmann calls the war in Iraq a success.

"The Iraqi economy has surpassed that of China. The work that the military has done has really turned a chapter in that country`s history."

And as thousands of troops prepare to leave Iraq, thousands more from right here in Northeastern and Central Pennsylvania are preparing to head back to the Middle East to Kuwait. They will protect and watch over the American bases and keep a close eye on the entire world.

"It`s a cycle. It`s a mission that never ends. If you remember prior to 9-11 we always had a brigade combat team sitting in Kuwait. It was there as a show of force to keep other countries in line," added Colonel Konzmann.

Roughly 3700 National Guard troops from the 55th Heavy Brigade Combat Team are scheduled to head over to Kuwait next fall.