Mason City, IA- Some area National Guard soldiers are finally getting compensated for an extended stay in Iraq.
These are members of the 133rd Iowa National Guard unit returning from Iraq two years ago.
President Barack Obama signed a bill Thursday ensuring about 20 thousand national guard soldiers receive their pay.
Some members are owed up to $200 per day for one month. State senator Amanda Ragan says it's important the soldiers receive this money.
"Especially we're talking about people putting themselves in harms way defending our country this is something that we need to step up to the plate and make sure it gets taken care of," she said.
The army is putting 3,500 members of the Iowa Army National Guard on alert for deployment including the 133rd out of Charles City, IA.
They could be heading to Afghanistan next fall.
