National Air Guard Members Deployed to Afghanistan
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Updated: 8:26 PM Dec 28, 2008
National Air Guard Members Deployed to Afghanistan
Members of the 130th Airlift Wing said goodbye to their families to serve our country overseas.
Posted: 2:07 PM Dec 28, 2008
Reporter: Carrie Jones
Email Address: Carrie.Jones@wsaz.com
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CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- Another emotional day of goodbyes as more members of the 130th Airlift Wing were sent overseas to help fight the war on terrorism.

About 30 troops were deployed Sunday to serve an up to four month tour in Afghanistan.

The group uses their C-130 aircraft to move military forces, equipment and supplies. They sometimes even provide air evacuations for wounded soldiers and provide help to the civilians in the regions they serve.

This is not the first time these National Air Guard members have spent time away for home, but for some it's their first time serving in Afghanistan.

"I worry about everything, what can happen here when I'm away and what can happen to me while I'm away," said Air Guard member Meredith Gray.

Gray also has more worries this trip. She's only been married for two months and now has a whole new family to say goodbye to.

"I'm amazed by all the things she does," said her husband Pat Gray. "I'll remember her bright beautiful eyes and her brilliant smile, waking up to that every morning and I can't wait until she returns and I see those things."

For other families, these goodbyes are just a way of life.

John Hill has dealt with his brother's absence for years.

"For my family, this is what their life is, " said Hill. "This is what their dad does."

This is the first wave of more than 150 members of the 130th Airlift Wing that will be deployed to Afghanistan over the next couple of months.

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Latest Comments

Posted by: Lora on Jan 9, 2009 at 10:08 AM

how sad that you, jmiller, think the 4 months is a drop in the bucket. have youever had a loved one go off to war? probably not or you would not have made such an assinine remark! the freedom you have to make such remarks are being protected by MY cousins who are over there right now! what a sad soul you must be!
Posted by: Gertie on Jan 9, 2009 at 12:33 AM

oh, yesi forgot to mention that i had one grantson and a cousin, on htat flight sat. i wish to god that none of our families members would have to go. but i thanks god somebody has the love for their families and country to step up to the olate. all my love and prayers to all our boys and girls that stand tall for what they believe in.
Posted by: GERTIE MOOEW on Jan 9, 2009 at 12:26 AM

It's so sad to read something like this. i wonder just how his family would feel if he had the courage to go where these boys are going. and doing what they are doing???? have you ever been in the service? do you have family you would want to protect???? answer sll these questions and then sit down and we'll talk about it. god bless you my friend , you seemed to be a badly misguided person.
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