National Guard Prepares for Duty 3/11/09

FULTON - The 1140th Military Police Company will deploy April 18.

Missouri's National Guard welcomed home more than 1,000 soldiers from Kosovo on Sunday. In a matter of weeks, nearly 200 more of Missouri's National Guard members will deploy overseas. This time, the troops are heading to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. And for many, this is their first deployment overseas.

Members from the 1140th Military Police Company, along with members of the 1138th and 1175th, took to their humvees and buses as they departed for Camp Clark, located in Nevada, Mo. The last week before leaving the states, they'll travel to Camp Shelby in Mississippi. During the last five weeks, they will train for combat and life-saving operations.

Many spent their last moments at home with family.

"I tucked my kids in last night and played water gun fights with my boys," said Sgt. Aaron Edman. "We just promised to keep in touch, calling, writing emails and letters."

"We've heard about it for a while but now it's really happening," said Ruth Ann Dodd, mother of Sgt. Mathew Dodd.

Family members lined up alongside the road to wave goodbye to their leaving loved ones.

"For the second round of training, I think that's when it's going to hit me as 'Oh my gosh!' This is really happening!" said Dodd.

"I'm really going to miss my family, obviously, but we've got a job to do," said Sgt. Edman.

Being stationed in Afghanistan is not what has Spc. William Harrison uneasy.

"I'm not looking forward to the plane rides," he said.

Families will have one last chance to see their loved ones at the official farewell ceremony on April 18. The ceremony will begin at 9 a.m. at Fulton High School.

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