Members of National Guard leave for deployment

LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. - Members of the Lawrenceville Army National Guard were preparing to leave Tuesday.

The city of Lawrenceville and veterans from an area VFW post hosted Tuesday afternoon's deployment ceremony as a way to show their thanks for the sacrifices of these soldiers and their families.

Soldiers from the Army National Guard based in Lawrenceville saluted the flag they will serve under as they prepare to deploy to Afghanistan. 

"You are community leaders. You're construction workers... You also have sworn an oath to defend the united states," said Capt. Josten Cornett.

Family and community members showed their support at a special deployment ceremony Tuesday afternoon at the VFW post on Grayson Highway.

"It means a lot because it shows that the community's here for them," said Morgan King, wife of one of the guardsmen.

King said the event is bittersweet as she sends off her husband Staff Sergeant Jacob King.

Mrs. King said these events help the family members left behind know they are not alone. Especially after the news of the recent violence in Kabul.

"I try to block it out. I'm going to have to start paying attention more. I always tell my husband, 'you tell me if there's something I need to know.' 'cause it is depressing nowadays... Try to keep positive thoughts as much as possible," said King.

Even more important, she said, for their 17-month-old son, Wyatt, who will have to get through as much as a year without seeing his dad.

"I will do everything that I can to ensure that these soldiers not only move forward combat-ready but come home."

The soldiers will now head off to training before deploying overseas sometime after the holidays.