On Wednesday, 27 men and women will be making an emotional return to Austin.

The group is part of the Minnesota National Guard’s 114th Transportation Company, which embarked to Afghanistan about a year ago to help with hauling and supply issues. Now, they are headed home.

Donna Barclay, administrative assistant with the Mower County Veterans Services Office, said she hopes plenty of residents come out to welcome the troops.

“It means so much to them,” Barclay said of warm receptions. “It is so overwhelming.”

The Austin troops are scheduled to arrive at the local armory, 800 21st Street NE, at around 3 p.m. The last three miles of their trip into town is scheduled to come with a police escort, Barclay said.

In all, 169 soldiers in the 114th are headed home on Wednesday, with bus trips planned to Roseville and Duluth.

Check austindailyherald.com and Thursday’s paper for complete coverage.