Several Oklahoma National Guard Members Return Home

More than 40 members of the Oklahoma National Guard returned home Thursday morning after serving a tour in Afghanistan.

This is the second group of soldiers to return to Oklahoma as the United States begins to draw down its forces in Afghanistan. The soldiers are part of the 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team and arrived at the Norman Armed Forces Reserve Center around 10 a.m.

Lt. Gov. Todd Lamb and Brig. Gen. Robbie L. Asher spoke at a welcome-home ceremony as family and friends eagerly awaited their chance to embrace the soldiers.

Nearly 2,200 Oklahoma Army National Guardsmen from the 45th Brigade deployed to Afghanistan in June and are currently serving there.

The majority of the brigade is expected to return in March.