CONCORD, N.C.-- On Sunday, the North Carolina National Guard hosted a mobilization ceremony for 600 soldiers who will be deploying to the Middle East in the fall.

For 80 percent of the members of the 1st Batallion, 113 Field Artillery Regiment, it will be their first deployment.

For Specialist Michael Driggers from Concord, it will be his second time. “I’m looking forward to it, we have great leaders that will lead us into the right position and they’ll help us out and give us the information that we need,” Driggers said.

The 1st Battalion, 113 Field Artillery Regiment is part of the 30th Armored Brigade Combat Team, which has 400 National Guard soldiers.

They come from West Virginia, Ohio, South Carolina and North Carolina.

According to Major Michael Kluttz, they will go in support of Operation Spartan Shield. Their mission will be to work with the Kuwaiti army and other countries to help deter any aggression from Iran or terrorist groups. In addition, they will train the Kuwaiti army.

“It’s not going to be every day driving around Humvees, worried about IEDs or an actual active shooter and stuff when you go to the actual villages. We will be working with countries bolstering their ability to function as an army,” Kluttz said.

This time, the brigade will not be going to a combat zone, which Kluttz said has come as a relief for loved ones.

“It definitely has settled a lot of nerves for my family,” Kluttz said.

For Driggers’ family, it’s also better that he will be deploying again with his adoptive brother Specialist Codi Laur.

“They are going to miss us, they feel better that we are going together,” Laur said.

During his past deployment, he said he learned to appreciate his home country even more.

“It helps you grow as a person. It makes you realize how good you have it back home compared to other countries,” Laur said.

However, both Laur and Driggers admit it will be hard being apart from family for several months.

Driggers will miss his niece’s first birthday next month.

“It’s saddening. I know, I will still get the videos and pictures of her,” Driggers said.

Driggers’ sister, Kristin Eubank, is also going to miss him but she understands the importance of his job overseas.

“I’m a little bit sad because he is going to miss all the holidays, birthdays, and family events but I’m also very proud he is serving our country,” Eubanks said.

The ceremony marks the beginning of the mission, but they will be overseas from October to June.