Minn. National Guard Unit Departs For Afghanistan

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- A group of 55 Minnesota Army National Guard soldiers from Minnesota are leaving for training for a one-year deployment in Afghanistan.

The soldiers from 136 Infantry hail from a total of 38 communities in Minnesota as well as communities in Iowa, North Dakota, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.

Army Capt. Michael A. Raymond says the group's mission will be to train, coach and mentor Afghan security forces, coalition forces and the Afghan Army in counterinsurgency operations.

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