(Sumter) August 20, 2006 - Some of South Carolina's bravest are spending their first of many nights away from their families. News 10's Tamara King was in Sumter Sunday as many National Guardsman, who are being deployed to Iraq, said goodbye.

It's an emotional goodbye, full of tears, hugs, and heartache. This is the last time the National Guardsmen from the 151st Field Artillery Brigade will see their families for months.

"It's the biggest issue we face - right now we are concerned about the welfare of our families," said Col. Jim Griese. 

"The quicker we get over there the sooner we'll get back," Specialist Terrence Coclough told WIS News. "You have to be ready got to stay alert at all times and make sure everyone in your unit comes home safe." Spc. Coclough is one of forty National Guardsmen deploying to Iraq.

As Spc. Coclough says goodbye to his wife and mother, there is one member of his family that's making the trip with him. Spc. Coclough's first cousin, Specialist Anthony Taylor, is in the same brigade.

"It feels good to know my cousin is going with me, knowing i can look to him and know we'll be going through the same thing at the same time, we'll be able to support each other," said Spc. Taylor.

For many of the soldiers here, this is the first time they've deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. However, all of them say it's a mission they prepared for since September 11th, 2001.

"We volunteered for this - no one forced us," CWO Brian Cagle told WIS News. "I volunteered to go, I volunteered to serve our country, and that's what we're called to do."

Spc. Taylor is just glad he is able to help out: "It will be worth it in the end - serving our country, serving our family, serving our friends, South Carolina... That's what it's all about."

The guardsmen will spend a year in Iraq. One of their missions will be training Iraqi soldiers.

Reported by Tamara King 

Posted 6:54pm by Logan Smith