Family, friends and the community said a tearful goodbyeSaturday to the Army Reserve’s 296th Transportation Company.

Nearly 200 soldiers make up the unit, which will spend about aweek at Fort Stewart, Ga., before heading to the Middle East aspart of Operation Enduring Freedom. They are expected to be inactive service for at least a year.

Please keep the soldiers and their families in your prayers.Also remember our president, military leaders and all the othersoldiers who will be directly involved in this mission.

May God bless the 296th and return them safely home soon.