Hundreds Attend National Guard Deployment Ceremony in Sartell [AUDIO and VIDEO]

SARTELL, MN - 131 soldiers from Minnesota's second-largest deployment since World War II were honored in a ceremony last night.

The Army National Guard's First Brigade Combat Team is made up of 29 units from 27 different Minnesota communities.

Hundreds of family members and friends were on hand for the ceremony, held at the Bernick's Arena in Sartell.

Staff Sergeant Izaak Schafer says the group has trained hard and is ready for their deployment.

The Battalion is set to serve 12 months in support of "Operation New Dawn" in Iraq and Kuwait.