Wisconsin Guard soldiers given send-off for Afghanistan



GREEN BAY — Family and friends have packed Lambeau Field Atrium to send off 400 Wisconsin National Guard soldiers deploying to Afghanistan.

Soldiers with the 2nd Battalion, 127th Infantry head to Afghanistan this winter to help protect U.S. advisers for Afghan security forces. The Appleton-based unit includes companies from Green Bay, Fond du Lac, Clintonville, Marinette, Waupun and Ripon.



At Thursday's ceremony, the Green Bay Press Gazette reports the soldiers were commended for their bravery and service to the country.

The Wisconsin soldiers will provide security for the 2nd Security Force Assistance Brigade out of Fort Bragg, North Carolina. The SFAB provides training and assistance for the Afghan National Security Forces.

The 127th traces its roots to the Civil War. This will be the first time the unit is stationed in Afghanistan.