The head of South Dakota's National Guard visited airmen and soldiers in Iraq as they reach the end of their duty tours.

"You are all doing an outstanding job," Maj. Gen. Steven Doohen told members of Bravo Battery on Aug. 21. "Keep focused, don't let up, and continue with your level of professionalism and 'can do' work ethic."

"Bravo Battery," Battery B, 1st Battalion, 147th Field Artillery is at Contingency Operating Base Adder, Iraq. Doohen also visited the 114th Fighter Wing at Joint Base Balad.

The units are scheduled to return this fall. As they head into their final month of missions, the units conducted a stand-down safety day to refocus attention to daily operations.

"It means a lot to the soldiers to have the general come at the most psychologically difficult time of the deployment," said Capt. Jason Warr of Rapid City, executive officer of Bravo Battery. "Getting this visit was a good reminder of the support we have back home, and I am certain this will help carry the guys through to the end."