Arizona Army National Guard members say goodbye ahead of deployment

PHOENIX, Ariz. (KSAZ) - A lot of hard goodbyes Sunday morning at the deployment ceremony for the soldiers with the Army National Guard unit that will be deployed to the Middle East.

Hugs were a little harder today as soldiers were wished well on their deployment.

"I'm happy because he's going to be serving our country and doing the best that he can, but also sad that he's going to be leaving for a year, it's hard on the family especially with a daughter," said Sierra Canady, wife of a solider.

There were mixed emotions for many, especially for those staying back home.

"Mixed emotions, the wife part of me is devastated, but the best friend in me knows this is something he's always wanted to do," said Christina Jamie, wife of a soldier.

"It's hard because you want to have a father figure there, but at the same time you're strong for your husband and spouse," said Canady.

Many people here are leaving family members, and for some, even new ones.

"Excited, nervous and sad that I'm leaving my wife that's 24 weeks pregnant," said Hans Welch with the Arizona Army National Guard Unit. "I'll get to meet my little girl when I get back."

While it will be a long time before they see the faces of their loved ones, one thing is for sure.

"It's the price you pay to wear the uniform and serve our county," said Steven Jamie with the Arizona Army National Guard Unit.

The men and women will be deployed for nine months.