![Soldiers Return After Year in Afghanistan](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2012/04/Soldiers-007.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Soldiers Return After Year in Afghanistan
MONTICELLO (AP) - A Minnesota National Guard unit that's spent a year training and coaching the Afghan National Army has returned home.
As expected, it was an emotional reunion for 120 soldiers and their families Thursday afternoon in Monticello. Hundreds of family members and friends filled the Monticello Community Center holding signs and flags.
Dozens of others lined the streets of the community as police officers escorted three busloads of soldiers from the 257th Military Police Company through town. School children held flags and chanted "USA."
For Army Capt. Troy Hyland it was more than a reunion, it was the first time he met his new daughter, 9-month-old Isabella. The Hylands have two other children, 10-year-old Sophia and 7-year-old Ben.
More From AM 1240 WJON
![[OPINION] Central Minnesotans Unhappy With Troops Leaving Afghanistan](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2021/08/attachment-Afghanistan.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Green Beret with Minnesota Roots Killed in Afghanistan](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2014/02/American-Flag.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Honor September 11th and Sign a “Thank You” Card for the Troops](http://townsquare.media/site/66/files/2014/09/164115604_630x420.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Fallen Marine Returns Home to Waseca](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2014/02/American-Flag.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Marine From Waseca Killed in Afghanistan](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2012/09/Military-Funeral.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Mother of Injured Litchfield Guardsman Talks to Son](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2013/06/National-Guard.png?w=980&q=75)
![Five Litchfield Guard Members Injured in Afghanistan](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2013/08/national-guard.png?w=980&q=75)
![Chisholm-Based Guard Unit Headed to Afghanistan](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2013/08/national-guard.png?w=980&q=75)
![Minnesota Native Among 7 Killed in Carge Plane Crash [VIDEO]](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2013/05/Plane-Crash.jpg?w=980&q=75)