WRCBtv.com | Chattanooga News, Weather & SportsSoldiers From 278th Set to Deploy To Iraq

Soldiers From 278th Set to Deploy To Iraq

By Antwan Harris

Chattanooga, TN (WRCB) -- It was a morning of emotional hugs and tears as soldiers of the Tennessee Guard's 278th Regiment said their goodbye's to family.

The group set to deploy to Iraq and is Tennessee's largest combat unit.

They will join some 3,300 troops at Camp Shelby in Mississippi for training. Many of them first timers, like Sp. Adam Lee.

He said the good news is his big sister will join him on the trip.

SSgt. Sergeant Robin Oyer is on her third deployment.

For family left behind, it's not such a joyous moment.

Deena Taylor's husband is leaving home for the second time.

She said it never get's easy on the family.

Many of the 130,000 U.S. Troops in Iraq serve in cities with Iraqi forces as advisers and call in ground support as needed.

The 278th Cpt Casey Benzel said Since the fall of Sadam, cities have become increasingly safer, but complacency is still a way to lose a life. 

This group was only part of the more than 3,300 troops involved in this deployment.

A group from Ashland City, TN had quite a sendoff on the courthouse square Sunday.

About 125 soldiers from D-troop are also headed to Camp Shelby and then to Iraq.

For many of these men it is their second trip to the desert.

They spent Sunday morning savoring those last few moments with their families.