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Service families say goodbye again
Members of the National Guard will deploy to Iraq
Updated: Friday, 12 Aug 2011, 6:00 PM EDT
Published : Friday, 12 Aug 2011, 12:16 PM EDT
QUONSET, RI (WPRI) - Dozens of Rhode Island families are now saying goodbye to their loved ones for the second time in two years.
The Rhode Island National Guard has deployed two of it's units to Iraq for one year. A Company, 1st Battalion 126th Aviation and D Company 126th Aviation will provide aviation support to combat and reconstruction efforts.
Approximately 20 Rhode Island soldiers will combine with troops from Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and other states for the length of their deployment.
A joint departure ceremony was held on Friday at Quonset Air National Guard Base.
The Adjutant General of Rhode Island and Commanding General of the Rhode Island National Guard Kevin McBride stated that the Rhode Island National Guard is, "always ready, always there".
Family members stated that even though saying goodbye was hard, they are keeping their eyes on the bigger picture.
"To have him home safe, that's all I really want. That's all anyone wants", Eliza Spears, wife of Sgt. Ronald Spears stated.
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