Md. Soldiers Combat Imminent Threat In Middle East

GWYNN OAK, Md. (WJZ) -- Each day, thousands of soldiers are fighting around the world to keep us all safe here in the US. Saturday, some of the Army's strong were deployed to the Middle East to help strengthen the fight.

Marcus Washington has more.

It's the day families say their goodbyes.

"A little bit of a heavy heart but I'm glad to be joining these soldiers," said Lt. Col. Carl Steahman.

Saturday, soldiers of the 392nd Expeditionary Signal Battalion were deployed.

"This isn't the first time I've gone down to the Middle East area," said Sgt. 1st Class Holmes.

"My first deployment. I've been in the Army for seven years so it has been a long time coming. I'm just excited," said John Miles.

For months, these soldiers have been preparing for this day as they leave their families and often face harsh conditions in the Middle East.

"Kind of thinking about all the troops and their families. My job is to make sure we get everybody over there safe and sound and do our mission and bring them back home safe and sound," said Captain Steve Perzia.

For these soldiers, they are the voice of the battlefield, providing communications to thousands of soldiers at war.

"We provide communications: satellite, phones, internet, basically for anybody who needs it, any type of unit," Perzia said.

While this day and ceremony is meant for a farewell, it's the one thing that is never easy for anyone here.

"These men and women have given more and more of their time over the [past] 16 months and now they are going to be completely gone from home," Steahman said.

There's no word on how long the soldiers will be deployed, but it's not expected to last longer than one year.