PHOENIX — There was not a dry eye in the room as 150 soldiers from the Army National Guard left Arizona this morning for a yearlong deployment to Afghanistan.
Mother of four Christie Pounders had her hands full during Sunday morning’s military send-off ceremony.
“It’s rough, We are used to him leaving everyone once in a while but this one is different because it’s for so long,” Pounders said.
Her husband David Pounders will be deploying to Afghanistan for the next year.
The ceremony held at Arizona National Guard Papago Park Military Reservation recognized the sacrifice each guard member is making.
The 150 soldiers are from 235th Engineer Battalion.
"It’s tough no matter what but you just go a day at a time,” Pounders said.
But not before, hugs, kisses and plenty of tears.
