Minnesota National Guard Soldiers Heading Out For 7-Month Deployment

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Soldiers from the Minnesota National Guard are heading out for a seven-month mobilization in Kuwait. A departure ceremony was held in Hastings Saturday for the departing men and women.

Soldiers from the 834th Aviation Support Battalion and the 34th Combat Aviation Brigade will join other troops in Kuwait to help with operational missions and military exercises on a mission known as "Operation Spartan Shield."

Minnesota troops will be providing communication systems support and helicopter maintenance support.