Superior-based unit deploying to Afghanistan

SUPERIOR, Wis. - Family, friends and dignitaries will gather at a middle school in Superior to mark the deployment of about 100 Wisconsin National Guard soldiers to Afghanistan.

The 950th Engineer Company, which is headquartered in Superior, will deploy to eastern Afghanistan to clear roads and supply routes of improvised explosive devices. The military says the company's operations are critical to U.S. efforts to move troops and equipment out of Afghanistan.

The upcoming deployment will be the unit's first deployment to Afghanistan. It deployed previously to Iraq in 2003 and 2010. The unit will first head to Fort Bliss, Texas, for several weeks of pre-mobilization training before deploying.

The send-off ceremony will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Superior Middle School.