Topeka ? Two Lawrence soldiers were among 220 Kansas National Guard members who received a warm welcome home this morning after serving in Iraq since September of 2006.

Timothy Brundage and Matthew Jordon are members of the 1st Battalion, 108th Aviation Regiment which deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Their mission was battlefield circulation of troops and supplies, combat air assault and daily air movement of dignitaries.

The soldiers, from all over the state and region, were greeted by hundreds. Many sported T-shirts or held up signs that said thanks.

“The work this unit has performed has been critical in Iraq and they and their families can be proud of their service and sacrifice, Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting said in a press release.

Among those in attendance were Sen. Sam Brownback, U.S. Rep. Nancy Boyda and Governor Kathleen Sebelius.