Idaho Army National Guard soldiers attached to the 116th Cavalry Brigade Combat Team, including those based at the Post Falls armory, will return from Iraq in waves starting late this month.

The unit, which includes about 1,500 soldiers from Idaho, 600 from Montana and 600 from Oregon, is completing its year-long deployment in support of Operation New Dawn.

The soldiers will return in groups of 200 to 300 to Joint Base Lewis-McChord, also known as JBLM, near Tacoma, Wash., for out-processing. That process will take a week to a month, depending on the soldier.

The soldiers will then return to their homes in small groups, or even individually, by flying to local airports throughout the state.

"I am immensely proud of the great work the men and women ... have done in Iraq," said Idaho Gov. Butch Otter. "I have been following their progress since before they deployed last year and was proud to shake each of their hands as they left. Lori and I look forward to personally expressing the gratitude of our entire state for a job well done when they return."

Two Coeur d'Alene soldiers - Sgt. Nathan R. Beyers, 24, and Spc. Nicholas W. Newby, 20 - were killed during the mission by an improvised explosive device.

A third Coeur d'Alene soldier, Staff Sgt. Jason Rzepa, 30, was injured in the blast. He had both his legs amputated below the knee and is recovering at a military hospital in the San Antonio area.

Those wishing to send a card to Rzepa can do so at: Attn: 101st Army liaison SSG JASON RZEPA, BAMC, RM 113-110, Fort Sam Houston, TX 78234.

The 116th has been in Iraq for nine months.

"I'd like to recognize and thank the soldiers' family members and their civilian employers, who have also faced challenges over the past year in the absence of these fine men and women who have so bravely and capably served our nation," said Maj. Gen. Gary Sayler, commanding general of the Idaho National Guard.

Another challenge lies ahead for about 600 of the deployed soldiers - a shortage of civilian employment in Idaho. A survey of the soldiers has shown many will return without the prospect of jobs.

Idaho employers who would like more information on hiring some of them as part of the Hire One Vet program, call Col. Tim Marsano at (208) 422-5268.