For some, it's their first time going...

"This will be my first time deploying. I'm anxious and excited," said PFC Christopher Farrell.

"It's an experience. You take it day by day, and do what you have to do, and just get home," said SPC Chad Cummins.

For others, it's familiar territory. Whatever the case may be, the soldiers leaving early Saturday morning from the National Guard Armory in Harlan are ready for the task at hand.
Private First Class Farrell will be operating vehicles overseas.

"It's a lot to put on your shoulder, because you know you have to, you're the one operating the vehicle, so you have three, four other guys in that vehicle that you have to take care of and watch out."

130 troops will make their journey from this post in Harlan tomorrow morning. About forty percent of those are from around the state, places like western Kentucky, northern Kentucky and Lexington, even one from down in Memphis. But about sixty percent will be from here in the mountains and surrounding counties.

All of them say farewells to family and friends are tough, but the support received is crucial.

"That's what keeps you going, is the people back home. Whether it be your family, friends, your unit, support groups for the unit," said Cummins.

The soldiers will head to Indiana before continuing on their departure overseas.