Members of an Appleton-based U.S. Army Reserve unit who have spent the past year in Afghanistan returned home to the embrace of family and friends Sunday.

Several hundred people waited for their loved ones to return to the Appleton Armory after the soldiers spent the last few days debriefing at Fort McCoy.

Eighteen Patriot Guard Riders led the welcome home procession. The motorcycle riders' group is dedicated to making sure returning soldiers are thanked. Many are Vietnam veterans.

After a short ceremony to honor their service in Afghanistan, the soldiers heard the single word they had been waiting for -- dismissed.

Meanwhile, more than 3.500 members of the Wisconsin National Guard's 32nd Red Arrow Infantry Bridgade are in trainning in Texas for
duty in Iraq. They include about 700 members from Western Wisconsin.