National Guard unit deploys

LOGANSPORT, Ind. (WLFI) - Nearly 200 members of the Indiana National Guard's B Company, 2-151st will soon be headed to Afghanistan. At a deployment ceremony in the Logansport High School gymnasium, there were plenty of tears and applause from proud family members.

Members of the Logansport-based unit had mixed emotions.

"I think the combat soldiers are looking forward to getting it done and getting it over with. I think the younger soldiers are looking forward to having this one last night with their families," Jason Hefner said.

Kentland resident Jacob Shufflebarger followed in the the footsteps of his grandfather by joining the military. He said the next year will be difficult, but he is honored to serve.

"I'm glad everyone is here showing their support. It will be a long year without them," Shufflebarger said.

This will be William Bryson's second deployment to Afghanistan. He said leaving this time around is more difficult than before.

"Last time I left I didn't have children. I've been married about two years, so it was little bit easier," Bryson said.

Logansport residents Shea and Carrie Kelley are expecting their first child in August. Both said it makes this deployment hard to take. But they will keep in contact through webcam and phone calls.

"It's a little scary but we'll get through it. I'm really proud of him and I support what he does. I'm going to miss him," Carrie Kelley said.

"I'm more excited about being a dad. You're going to be a little nervous about going overseas but you try to embrace the training and do your best over there," Shea Kelley said.

Chad and Amber Appleton said the next year year will be a tough one away from each other. But they are proud to serve the country.

"It's going to be tough but I have a lot of family to help," Amber Appleton said.

"We know they need a lot of help so we are going to do our best to help them as best we can," Chad Appleton said.

The soldiers are headed to Camp Shelby, Mississippi for training. Eventually, they will land in Afghanistan.