The 1157th Transportation Company is back on U.S. soil after serving nearly a year in Afghanistan. The unit has been demobilizing in Mississippi since Jan. 7.

A welcome home ceremony is set for Friday afternoon for the unit and its more than 120 soldiers. National Guard officials initially said the ceremony would be for family and friends only. However, on Thursday, they said it would be open to the public.

The ceremony is scheduled for 1 p.m. at Hangar C on the EAA grounds. Members of the public are asked not to arrive before noon so that the soldiers’ families and friends can find seats first.