Dozens of Connecticut National Guard members said farewell to their families at a sendoff ceremony at the Hartford Armory Thursday.
“It’s difficult leaving, but it’s a privilege to go overseas and serve my country,” said Sgt. Zachary Peters, who is from Niantic.
The guardsmen are part of the 1109th Theater Aviation Sustainment Maintenance Group. The Groton-based group is headed to Kuwait and Afghanistan and will provide support to helicopter units flying in Southwest Asia.
They’re the latest of about 200 guardsmen to be deployed in the last ten months. It’s a call the 79 members said they’re ready and proud to accept.
“ When we get the call, we’re ready. Our motto is “Always ready and Always there,’” said Major. Mike Petersen. “These guys are trained and they’re ready to go and excited to show what they can do.”
The deployment is expected to last nine months, then these members will head back to Connecticut for a celebration of their return home.
