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Tyndall bids farewell to Army National Guardsmen

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Rachelle Elsea
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Tyndall welcomed more than 600 Florida Army National Guardsmen and more than 2,000 family members and friends from the 1st Battalion, 153rd Cavalry for a pre-deployment ceremony in Hangar 2, Jan. 7.

This will be the largest deployment for the Florida National Guard since World War II, with around 2,500 troops state-wide deploying for 12 to 15 months to Kuwait and Iraq.

Maj. Gen. Douglas Burnett, the Florida National Guard's adjutant general, and Gov. Charlie Crist were present at the event to offer words of encouragement to the troops, their friends and families.

"It is an honor today to stand before combat-proven soldiers of the Florida Army National Guard who have answered the call to serve this great nation and go down range in harm's way to defend liberty and freedom," said General Burnett. "I want to thank you personally for the hard work you have done this past year preparing for this deployment."

Governor Crist echoed his statement.

"These are the truest of heroes you will ever see," said Governor Crist. "You remind us all of the courage and the determination that define America and all her freedoms. We are truly grateful to the friends and family members, for letting your loved ones serve in such an honorable and distinctive fashion."

For many this was not their first deployment.

"This is my second deployment, but my first being a mother" said Sgt. Shianta Willford. "We have had amazing training, so for me the hardest part will be missing my family."

But, for others it was their first deployment.

"I feel like Indiana Jones," said Spc. Angelo Canevari. "This will be an exciting adventure."

Following the ceremony the troops were flown to Fort Hood, Texas, for two months of pre-deployment training before continuing to their deployment location.