FORT STEWART, GA (WTOC) -
The 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Heavy Brigade Combat Team is preparing for deployment to Afghanistan. Their families are also preparing, including newlywed Ashley Ross. She and her husband have been married for less than a year and already duty calls.
She said, "It's tough. A lot of first time things will be happening this year and we'll be spending them apart, so there will be a lot of mailing for celebrations and making 2013 better when he comes back."
Also among the nearly 700 soldiers scheduled for deployment is Sarah Smith's older brother. She says things will be much different once he leaves.
"I'm going to miss him telling me everything is going to be okay, that everything will be alright and just stay strong," Smith said.
The casing ceremony is a U.S. Army tradition that symbolizes the time for deployment is near. Units case their colors before leaving and take them with them to their destination, in this case Afghanistan, where the troops will stabilize villages overrun by insurgents for more than a decade.
1st Battalion, 30th Infantry Commander Lt. Col. Michael Jason said, "It's about really bringing governess, stability, development, and security down at the village and provincial level and reconnecting them to the regional and national government."
And although family and friends are sad their loved ones are heading off, they're also proud of the job they're doing.
"I think everybody should be proud," said Smith.
Ross added, "I'm very proud of my husband. I tell him that all of the time."
Fort Stewart isn't saying exactly when the soldiers will be deployed, but they will leave early this month. They're expected to stay in Afghanistan for up to nine months.
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