(KNZA)--Around 120 members of a Holton-based Kansas National Guard unit have returned home after year long deployment to Kuwait.

Soldiers from Battery A, 2nd Battalion, 130th Field Artillery were greeted by friends and family as they returned from their deployment Friday.  The soldiers arrived at Topeka’s Regional Airport in two separate groups.  

The battery, along with other soldiers and elements of the Kansas Army National Guard, deployed in April of last year to Kuwait in support of Operation Spartan Shield and Operation Inherent Resolve.

Kansas Adjutant General, Major General Lee Tafanelli, said it was an exciting mission for the soldiers of the battery.  Tafanelli noted it was the first time since World War II the soldiers have deployed to function as a field artillery unit.

It was the third deployment for the unit since 2001.