More soldiers to
return from Iraq today

A contingent of Army soldiers who have been supporting the 25th Infantry Division's 2nd Brigade Combat Team in Iraq was scheduled to arrive at Wheeler Army Air Field early this morning.

Army officials said that 263 communication specialists and engineer soldiers will be able to greet their loved ones at a Wheeler helicopter hangar hours after landing at Hickam Air Force Base.

Earlier this month, soldiers from Schofield Barracks' quartermaster and other supply units returned home after being in Iraq for a year.

The major combat unit of the 25th Division, however, will not be home until March. They were extended by the Pentagon just before Christmas to be part of the beefed-up security force U.S. planners believe will be needed for the Jan. 30 Iraqi national elections.

About 5,000 25th Division soldiers were deployed to Iraq. In addition to today's arrivals, about 500 other soldiers have returned to Hawaii.