The public is invited to this Saturday’s event to welcome members of the Oklahoma National Guard HHT 1-180^th home from a year-long tour of duty.

The event will be held at the Durant Armory from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 8. The Armory is located on Waldron Drive just west of the Eaker Field airport terminal, south of Durant.

The HHT 1-180^th spent nearly a year stationed in Kuwait, running missions and convoys into Iraq before the full withdrawal of U.S. forces earlier this year. A coalition of community groups are organizing the event for the troops and their families.

“It’s basically a welcome home for them and a thank you to the community from the families and soldiers,” said Darla Moody of the Armory’s Family Readiness Group.

Hot dogs and snacks will be provided and bounce houses will be available for youngsters.

“The community wants to give a big thank you to our soldiers for a job well done,” said Pam Robinson, director of Bryan County United Way.

Other groups helping to organize the event include VFW groups from Durant and Coalgate, Rotary Club of Durant, Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, Vision Bank, First National Bank and Victory Life Church.