More Than 150 Members of Engineering Battalion Deploying

WILLMAR (AP) - More than 150 Minnesota Army National Guard soldiers based in Willmar are deploying to Kuwait.

The National Guard said Monday the 682nd Engineer Battalion will deploy for eleven months in support of Operation Spartan Shield.

Battalion commander, Lt. Col. Keith Ferdon, says the soldiers will manage sustainment operations throughout the Middle East, which means they'll be maintaining road and building infrastructure for coalition forces.

It will be the first deployment for two-thirds of the unit.

A departure ceremony is scheduled Thursday, Oct. 8 at 11 a.m. at the Willmar Senior High School.