SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, Hawaii—The 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat team marks a significant homecoming milestone, Sunday, with the long-awaited arrival of command group, here.

The return of Col. (Walter) Piatt and Command Sgt. Maj. (Anthony) Marrero signifies the return of the ‘Bronco Brigade,’" said Maj. John Sego, 3IBCT rear detachment commander.  "We still have a couple hundred Soldiers finishing up a few loose ends for the unit in Kuwait, but they will be returning shortly." The brigade leadership and 360 Soldiers landing Sunday will have endured a grueling 27-hour flight from Kuwait to Hawaii, passing through 13 time zones.

The brigade's previous returning Soldiers seldom showed indications of anything but excitement; they knew that only a 30-minute bus ride and an hour of final processing was all that stood between them and their loved ones after a year of separation. "Our troops served magnificently in the most difficult conditions and harshest environments," Sego said. "We owe it to these Soldiers to return them into the arms of waiting family and friends as quickly as possible."

During its deployment, the 3IBCT operated in the Salah ad Din Province, in northern Iraq.

The Bronco Brigade completed 230 projects that greatly improved the quality of life for the people of Iraq. These completed projects include: 60 school renovations and seven new schools; 52 water projects providing new wells and water treatment facilities; 11 electricity distribution and infrastructure renovations; enhancements to hospitals and clinics; and transportation improvements.

After the redeployment ceremony, the Soldiers will immediately be granted a 72-hour pass and then go through 9 days of final processing before being granted an extended vacation in hometowns across the nation.

The homecoming ceremony will take place Sunday at 5:25 p.m. at Wheeler Army Airfield. Family and friends wishing to welcome the Soldiers home are encouraged check the 25ID Web site, www.25idl.army.mil, for the latest ceremony updates.

Individuals with military identification cards and installation vehicle decals may enter Wheeler through Kawamura and Kunia Gates.

Individuals without military identification are required to report to Lyman Gate at Schofield Barracks to obtain a visitor's pass.

Please allow additional travel time for installation access and be prepared to show valid photo identification, automobile registration and proof of insurance. Driving directions to the ceremony site will be available at gate entrances.