400 Wisconsin National Guard soldiers getting ready for deployment to Afghanistan

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — Family and friends will send off nearly 400 Wisconsin Army National Guard soldiers deploying to Afghanistan this winter.

Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch and senior Guard leaders will be on hand for the private ceremonial send-off at Lambeau Field Atrium in Green Bay on Thursday.

The soldiers are from the Appleton-based 2nd Battalion, 127th Infantry. They will take part in the NATO-led Resolute Support, a mission aiming to provide training, advice and assistance to Afghan security forces. The deployment was announced in September.

The Post-Crescent reports Thursday's send-off is not open to the public.

The infantry is part of the 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, dubbed "Red Arrow," which has historical ties in Wisconsin dating to the Civil War. The division is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year.