After nearly one year of deployment in Kuwait, soldiers from the National Guard unit in Austin arrive today.

Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Austin and the 1135th Transportation Company Family Readiness Group announced the scheduled return of area soldiers from their nearly yearlong deployment in Iraq and Kuwait. The soldiers participated in Operation New Dawn and helped complete the early withdrawal of U.S. military forces from Iraq.

“It’s going to be real great to have them back,” said Norm Hecimovich, Mower County Veterans Memorial Committee chairman. “It’s a really good feeling. They’ve been gone for almost a year.”

The soldiers will depart Camp Shelby, Miss., and will arrive at Minnesota Air Guard Wing in St. Paul today. From there, they are expected to travel by bus south to Austin with a stop in Owatonna. About 37 soldiers are expected to arrive at the Austin National Guard Community Center (800 21st St. NE, Austin) and take part in a short formation and be released to family, friends and supporters. They are scheduled to arrive at the Austin Armory at 3:20 p.m.