Two hundred Fort Drum soldiers are heading to Europe amid escalating tensions between Russia and the Ukraine.

The departing soldiers were expected to meet Gov. Kathy Hochul Friday before leaving, but an ice storm made it too dangerous for her to make the trip. So the governor spent time Friday speaking with the soldiers over video conference.

Hochul thanked the soldiers for bravely volunteering to defend the nation and its allies. The fact they are heading to Europe on a just a few days notice was an extraordinary example of patriotism, she said.

Hochul told them their families will be taken care of while they were gone, and they should focus on ensuring they come home safe.

“I want all of you to come home safely and know that we will sleep better on the security blanket of freedom that you give us," Hochul said. "Thank you. We are proud of you.”

Fort Drum and 10th Mountain Division Commanding General Major General Milford Beagle also spoke to the soldiers. He told them they are the epitome of what the division is all about, stepping up in a moment’s notice.

It's still not known if the soldiers from Fort Drum are headed to Poland or Germany, or for how long they’ll be gone.