Soldiers' 'euphoric' return home

<p>Sgt. Fred Coglizer had one word to describe his return to Sonoma County on Friday: “Phenomenal.”</p><!-- Nothing to do. The paragraph has already been output --><p>Through the windows of a bus, he and 12 other California National Guard soldiers saw the dozens of well-wishers in Petaluma there to welcome them. Hugs for Coglizer were reserved by his wife, Karina, daughter Eva Rose and nephew Josh, who were also there when members of his Petaluma-based 235th Engineer Company left for the war zone last December.</p><p>“The whole trip from San Francisco was euphoric,” he said, noting the hundreds of well-wishers along the roadways, including firefighters who stood at each overpass and saluted the soldiers.</p><p>The soldiers from the 235th served a one-year tour in Afghanistan, most of them assigned to the hazardous duty of clearing hidden bombs from Afghan roadways.</p><p>Coglizer was in charge of communications for his platoon. On Feb. 25, the platoon was clearing roadside bombs when his truck was hit, and he and others were injured. He was presented with a Purple Heart for his efforts.</p><p>Coglizer said he’s looking forward to a quiet Thanksgiving with his family.</p><p>This was the second group of National Guard soldiers returning home to their Petaluma base. The final group is expected next week. An official welcome-home celebration will be held in January after the soldiers have spent the holidays with their families.</p>