Manassas-Based Guard Unit Returning After Tour In Iraq

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) -- About 130 soldiers from a Manassas-based Virginia Guard military police unit are returning to Virginia after serving in Iraq since December 2008.

Guard officials say the 266th Military Police Company is scheduled to return Thursday. The unit is made up of soldiers from across Virginia.

The soldiers operated throughout Iraq as part of a team that trained, mentored and coached more than 1,000 Iraqi Police officers. They also conducted numerous missions and combat patrols across the country.

During their tour, soldiers from the unit earned 21 Bronze Star Medals, four received Combat Action Badges and one received a Purple Heart.