By Dal Cannady
STATESBORO, GA (WTOC) - Hundreds of National Guard soldiers based in Statesboro left Monday for the last part of their preparation before they deploy to Afghanistan.
Pfc. Malinda Carr hardly let go of her 1-year-old son. Her first ever trip overseas will be serving the 48th Brigade.
"Ain't no way to prepare for leaving your young'un. But I'm prepared as far as getting things done," she said with a laugh.
Hundreds of citizen-soldiers gathered to say goodbye to loved ones. They leave for six more weeks of training, some to Fort Stewart, some to Mississippi. Then they'll join different units already in Afghanistan. More than half the group have deployed before.
"For me, it's not my first deployment. I know what to expect. I've just been trying to get her (his wife, Beth) prepared," noted Spc. Edward Blanchard.
The soldiers said their mission will be different than what they did a few years ago in Iraq. But the challenge of being away from home will be the same.
"You have to get in your mind that you have to go and it's something you have to do," added Sgt. Cleveland White.
"A lot of us are anxious, enthusiastic about the mission. They're excited to get it over with," explained Spc. Daniel Larubio.
Commanders said the Afghan troops they'll be helping have plenty in common with the citizen soldiers of the American Revolution.
"Those guys want their own country. They don't know what it will look like yet. They know they want freedom and we have the opportunity to work shoulder to shoulder with them to find their way to success," stated commander Lt. Col. Tom Bright.
And when they return, they'll find proud and happy families waiting for them. More than 400 troops will deploy with Statesboro's BSTB Headquarters company.
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1 comment:
Saw you guys in the video. You all are so brave and have such an uplifting attitude about everything. I know you have tons of love and support but just know you have one more person on your side over here in Roswell, Georgia. :)
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