After nearly one year of deployment in Kuwait, soldiers from Austin and other area National Guard units are coming home.

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 withdrawl 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 on May 1st. From there, they are expected to travel by bus south to Austin with stops in Owatonna and Albert Lea. 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. Hecimovich said Tuesday’s ceremony will be short so the soldiers can get home to their families, but the community may organize a formal celebration later.

“It’ll be good to be home,” he said. “I think this may be their last deployment. It’s going to be a real plus-plus for our servicemen.”

Patriotic clothing, welcome signs and flags are all encouraged.

Support from Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Austin is available to all active, reserve and guard soldiers, their families and veterans. For more information about Beyond the Yellow Ribbon programs, call 507-279-3586, 507-437-6748, or find them on Facebook at “Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Austin.”