WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. -- Many families spent their Labor Day holiday together, and for 120 members of the Bravo Battery, 5th Batallion, and 113th Field Artillery, that time was solemn.

  • A Mobilization Ceremony marked the beginning of soldiers' 9 to 12-month deployment to the Middle East
  • About a fourth of the unit has been deployed before
  • Soldiers will leave behind regular jobs in addition to their families

They gathered with families and friends at the Hanesbrand Theater to take part in a Mobilization Ceremony, marking the beginning of their 9 to 12-month deployment to the Middle East.

"I think it's a great day, a great way to use a holiday. To honor these soldiers that are going down range, and to accommodate our families the best way we can," Battalion Commander Paul Hollenack said.

About a fourth of the unit has been deployed before. As members of the National Guard instead of active duty soldiers, they leave behind their regular jobs in addition to their families.

The soldiers found out about the deployment last year. The advance knowledge is both helpful and hard.

"It does make a year of moments bittersweet," Kimberly Strum said. Her husband is deploying, and spent most of the last year preparing for his absence.

After the many months of anticipation, the ceremony served as a turning point. The preparation turned into reality.

"You talk about it for a long time, but it makes it real. It makes it concrete. You know it's happening. The ceremonies are happening. The formalities are going on. It marks that departure line," Hollenack said.

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