The Vermont National Guard is preparing for the return of about 200 soldiers who were sent to Iraq almost a year ago. The soldiers of the first battalion of the 86th Field Artillery are expected to leave Iraq in a month or six weeks.
The soldiers were part of the first large-scale call-up of Vermont troops for the war in Iraq. The Vermonters have spent their year in Iraq performing security missions, such as protecting military supply convoys.
A National Guard spokesperson says that once the soldiers return to Vermont they will be released quickly to their families. A formal welcome-home ceremony will be held later.