Soldiers ready for deployment
From Staff Reports

More than 500 soldiers and family members of the Georgia Army National Guard Battery C1/214th Field Artillery were gathered for their mission: readiness Monday morning at the Burke County Recreation Department gymnasium.

Gen. Larry Ross spoke with family members about their role on the homefront while soldiers train for their Middle East mission at Fort Bliss, Texas.

The guardsmen will leave around 8 a.m. on Tuesday, June 12, from the armory in Waynesboro. They will be deployed to the Middle East upon completion of their training. Their tour of duty is expected to last approximately 12 months.

"You (the family) are the unsung patriots of this mission," Gen. Ross said. "It is vitally important that you take care of the home business so nothing affects the soldier's morale."

A dinner is planned for Monday, June 11, for the guardsmen and their families. Details of the sendoff were unavailable at press time. To volunteer for the local family readiness group or make donations for the dinner, call 706-554-0767.