LANSING, MICH. -- Approximately 135 soldiers from the 1460th Transportation Company Michigan Army National Guard were honored Sunday.

Deputy Public Affairs Officer Capt. Corissa Barton said the celebration was held at 1 p.m. at the Michigan National Guard Armory in Midland.

The “Freedom Salute” ceremony honored the families, employers, and other "centers of influence" of each Guard member.

Each soldier received an encased American flag, lapel insignia, commemorative coin and a certificate of appreciation, according to Barton. Spouses also received a commemorative lapel pin.

Soldiers on their second deployment received a Freedom ring and their spouse was given a clock in recognition of their service.

The soldiers left the state in June 2008 for mobilization training at Fort Bliss, Texas.

While deployed the unit was stationed at Camp Bucca, Iraq.

They returned home in June 2009.