Thousands of families will be welcoming their soldiers back in coming months. But some are also saying goodbye.
One last hug, one last picture, it's all just a part of saying goodbye to the 130 soldiers of the 63rd Engineer Company. They're heading to Iraq for the next 15 months.
Question: “How does it feel to know that dad's leaving?”
“Very bad,” said Adriana Goldner
Question: “Why?”
“Because he's going to be gone for a really long time,” she said.
“A little anxious, a little scared, a little nervous, a little of everything. Very proud... these guys have really worked really, really hard over the last year to get ready for this,” said 1st Sgt. Victor Goldner.
Ready for the mission ahead, going to Iraq to repair and clear the roads.
“Make it safe for trips,” said Sgt. 1st Class Michael Camplejohn.
“And then any other construction projects that we have, flattening any ground that you get,” said Goldner.
“A lot of people back here don't get to see exactly what's going on with the kids and what they're actually living in, their living conditions until you actually get there and see, we are actually making a difference,” said Camplejohn.
It's the Camplejohn's second time saying bye to dad. And dad and the kids agree, this time isn't any easier than the first.
“It's sort of sad,” said Austin Camplejohn.
“It is very sad... just like the last time he left,” said Christopher Camplejohn.
The last time dad left he was gone for 12 months. But Sgt. 1st Class Michael Camplejohn says if an extra three months is what they have to do, that's what they have to do.
“Either way, I'm going and coming back. So that's all that matters,” said Camplejohn.
His bag packed and weapon in tow... even 2-year-old brook had one last message for dad.
“I love him and I'll see him soon,” she said.