Florida National Guard troop deploys to Afghanistan

CRESTVIEW, Fla. (WALA) - The National Guard 83 ^rd Troop of Unit 870 deployed to Afghanistan on June 15.

It was a day the soldiers knew would come.

The Crestview community lined U.S. Highway 90 around 7 p. m. on June 15 with American flags and signs of support to see the National Guardsmen off.

Private First Class Edward McTear says it’s hard knowing he’s leaving his fiancée and family.

“Every second that goes by I’m trying to enjoy, but it’s in the back of my head that this is the last day I have here,” said McTear.

A special ceremony was held for the troops who now leave behind their loved ones to help defend our freedoms.

“It’s very difficult. I’m actually ready to cry now. These are the people who supported me and have been there for me. So as bad as I’ll be crying when I leave, I’m pretty sure they will be too,” McTear said.

The unit will serve a nearly one year deployment, they'll be charged with clearing pathways of improvised explosives (IED’s) for other soldiers and civilians.

Soldiers who have children like Sgt.Thomas McCoy, found the deployment particularly tough.

McCoy says it hurts knowing he won’t see his children on Father’s Day.

“I have mixed feelings, because you want to go and serve your country but at the same time, you never want to leave your family,” he said.

Specialist Codey Robinson will have to miss a year of the life of his infant daughter, who was born seven months ago.

“I worry about her not remembering me when I get home,” Robinson said.

Sgt. McCoy says his deployment is hard for his children to understand.

“This is probably the hardest part of the deployment, saying goodbye for awhile and reassuring them that you’ll come back,” said McCoy.

But they say the community’s constant support gives them strength.

“To have that support, it shows us that people do care. It makes us feel good inside to know that everyone is on our side and has our backs in this,” McTear said.

The soldiers will be taking some of that support with them as well.

Officials gave the unit a special Florida state flag to fly over their base in Afghanistan: a sign to remind them of where they come from.