Family and friends said goodbye to about 250 soldiers deploying as a part of operation /*Iraqi Freedom*/.
The soldiers' tour will last 15 months, despite President Bush's recent decision to shorten deployments to 12 months.
Troops' orders were cut before the president made his decision.
"Honestly it will suck, I mean he will be gone for 15 months and I will miss him," said Christin Edison, a soldier's wife.
"We will all have to do it sometime you know 15 months, 12 months as long as we do it and get it over with I guess," Soldier, Spec. Aaron Edison added.
For many troops, this is their second or third deployment. They will be responsible for operations and security at several detention facilities.
