Topeka (WIBW) - Dozens of Kansas National Guard members are returning from a year-long agricultural mission in Afghanistan.

The Guard's Agribusiness Development Team #1 will be welcomed home Saturday, March 13, with a ceremony in Lee Arena at Washburn University.

The group of 60 soldiers and airmen spent the past year assisting Afghans in the Laghman Province develop efficient agribusiness techniques and practices.

“Our ADT soldiers and airmen serve as an incredible example of the resource Kansans are, not only to their community and country, but on a global scale as well,” said, Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, the adjutant general. “Their dedication to helping others brings great credit not only to their country, the Army and Air Force, but also to the determined “ad astra per aspera” spirit of Kansans statewide.”

The ADT #1 is the first of three teams, with the potential of additional teams, being sent by the Kansas National Guard, in partnership with Kansas State University.

The teams work in conjunction with the Provincial Reconstruction Team, USAID, USDA, the Department of State and other agencies in Afghanistan’s Laghman Province to assist in building capabilities for increased agricultural production, training and services, and improving the safety of food and other agricultural products produced and distributed to the Afghan people. They also assist in the development of sustainable agriculture and other related enterprises that will increase the economic well-being of the Afghan people.

The second Agribusiness Development Team is now in place in the Laghman Province continuing the work of the first team.

Saturday's ceremony begins at 9:30 am. Doors to Lee Arena will open at 8 am.