WAGNER, S.D. (AP) — An estimated 1,200 people turned out in Wagner to say goodbye to members of a South Dakota Army National Guard unit that will serve a year in Kuwait.

The Wagner soldiers are among 162 members of the Rapid City-based 155th Engineer Company. The unit is mobilizing in support of Operations Enduring Freedom, New Dawn and Noble Eagle.

A recognition ceremony for the Wagner soldiers was held Tuesday afternoon in the town's high school gym. A send-off ceremony for the entire unit was scheduled Wednesday afternoon in Rapid City. The soldiers will complete several weeks of training at Fort Bliss in Texas before heading overseas.

The 155th also served in Kuwait in 2002-03.

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