About 80 area soldiers will come home to their friends and loved ones Thursday night.

The Virginia National Guardsmen returned to Winchester after serving in Iraq and Kuwait since September 2007.

The soldiers are assigned to Headquarters Company, 3rd Battalion, 116th infantry Brigade Combat Team.

During their time in Iraq and Kuwait the Guardsmen provided command and control to the Battalion's port security missions.

Major Cotton Puryear says the men are undoubtedly glad to be home.

"They can't wait to be home. Being at the mobilization station is sort of a mixed feeling. You're glad to be back in the United States, but all you want to do is get home. There's important things you have to do there, but the most important thing is to get home, and get home safely. So, they're all very glad to be on that final leg to get back to their families."

Soldiers are scheduled to arrive at the Winchester Armory Thursday evening.

They returned to the States on May 4th to Camp Shelby, Mississippi.