WATERLOO -- The Cedar Valley will get another chance Friday to thank Northeast Iowa soldiers who spent nearly two years fighting in Iraq.

For the first time since returning home, the Waterloo-based Ironman Battalion will reunite in the West Gym on the University of Northern Iowa campus. The Iowa National Guard's Freedom Salute is scheduled to start at 6 p.m.

Designed to honor troops for their sacrifice, the Guard also will recognize military families, employers and others who support soldiers serving in harm's way. Military officials said when Freedom Salute ceremonies originated seven years ago, they were intended to be an intimate affair for service members and their families. However, officials said it's grown in popularity to the point where the public is welcome.

"It's designed to recognize the sacrifice a deployment takes on soldiers and families," Maj. Kevin Loney said.

About 640 members of the 1st Battalion, 133rd Infantry -- with armories in Waterloo, Dubuque, Oelwein, Iowa Falls and Charles City -- served in Iraq. More than 8,000 people packed Riverfront Stadium for a raucous homecoming celebration nearly 2 1/2 months ago.

Loney said Friday will be a more low-key event. An estimated 220 soldiers and families are expected to attend. Given the size of the West Gym, seating for the general public will be limited, he said.

Other Freedom Salutes will be held for 133rd members in Des Moines, Council Bluffs, Sioux City, Dubuque and Davenport during the next two weekends. Soldiers are encouraged to attend the event closest to their home.

This will be the first drill weekend for soldiers since coming home. Following Friday night's activities, soldiers will receive a post-deployment health screening Saturday. Sunday's program will concentrate on readjusting back to civilian life, both at home and work. If any problems exist, help will be available.

Lt. Col. Ben Corell, commander of the 133rd from Strawberry Point, said the vast majority of soldiers, as far as he knows, went back to work by the middle of August and are getting along fine.

"I haven't heard of any (problems), but I'm not saying that it hasn't happened. That's what this weekend is about," Corell said.

One issue that will be addressed this weekend, officials said, is the problem soldiers are having getting enhanced Montgomery G.I. Bill benefits to help pay for college. Under chapter 30 of the bill, soldiers must serve 730 days or more on active duty to qualify to receive nearly $900 per month in benefits. If not, they only qualify for $660, which expires when they deactivate.

Corell said the problem is many of the soldiers came up a few days short. Some orders were written for 729 days, reports indicate. Others thought leave (vacation) time would qualify for active duty to put them over the top. Corell isn't sure how many 133rd soldiers didn't qualify for the enhanced benefits or want them, but Minnesota's 1st Brigade Combat team said 1,100 soldiers were affected. The 133rd was under its command in Iraq.

It will cost soldiers $1,200 to get the benefit, but the extra money will pay it back and then some, Corell said.

"This is not right. To the kids who want to go to school, they did everything they were asked to do." Corell said

Iowa and Minnesota congressional members are working with the Department of the Army to correct the problem.

Loney said he was informed the enhanced benefits will be available, and Jeff Giertz, a spokesman for Rep. Bruce Braley, confirmed Tuesday the money will be available by the spring semester.

"We're making sure the troops get the G.I. benefits that they deserve," Giertz said. "That's the least we can do."

Contact Matthew Wilde at (319) 291-1579 or matt.wilde@wcfcourier.com.