City of Rochester flag returns from Kuwait - KTTC Rochester, Austin, Mason City News, Weather and Sports

ROCHESTER, Minn. (KTTC) --  A distinguished flag that flew over Camp Arifjan in Kuwait nearly a year ago now hangs near Rochester Mayor Ardell Brede's office.

Mayor Brede unveiled the City of Rochester Flag with Colonel Eric Kerska by his side.

The flag was flown on March 25 in Kuwait in honor of the 2,700 Minnesota troops serving as part of Operation New Dawn. Roughly 120 of those are from Rochester including Colonel Kerska who is also Battalion Chief of the Rochester Fire Department

In February Mayor Brede had the honor of visiting the troops in Kuwait thanks to Colonel Kerska.

"Mayor Brede really made a positive impact on the attitude on how reservists are treated within the city and that goes city wide," said Kerska. He's been a huge advocate for support of the Guard and Reserve during the war, and so I thought he was a very deserving individual for his efforts.

Kerska also said Mayor Brede reached out to his family on a regular basis while he was deployed.

In the display you can also find a coin representing the Minnesota Red Bulls and a picture of Mayor Brede in his time at camp Arifjan alongside Colonel Kerska.