OTTUMWA — The National Guard is pulling its soldiers out of Ottumwa, and officials are asking people to show their thanks for the flood efforts.

At the peak, more than 200 Guard members were in Ottumwa to help construct emergency levees, fill sandbags and secure vulnerable points against the Des Moines River. Ottumwa officials credit the soldiers with helping keep the river contained as it passes through the city.

The soldiers will leave at 8 a.m. Thursday from Indian Hills on the Alta Vista side of the campus. They will take the Ottumwa bypass out of town. Police Chief Jim Clark asked the public Wednesday to turn out to thank the soldiers for their work.

"They helped save our community and this is the least we can do for them," he said.

The Ottumwa Fire Department is planning to salute the soldiers as they leave. Dave Sertterh said the department will station its snorkle truck at the Alta Vista entrance to the campus to recognize the Guard's efforts.