Michigan Troops Deploy To Afghanistan

WARREN (WWJ) - About 200 members of the 785th Military Police Battalion said farewell to family and friends, Friday, before leaving Michigan to serve a year in Afghanistan.

The ceremony in Warren included remarks from Michigan Governor Rick Snyder.

"You have a mission that's critical, and you've accepted it with determination and courage.  In terms of protecting our country and brining security and opportunity to a troubled part of our world.  So, thank you so much for that great service. You are all heroes for what you're doing for our country," Gov. Snyder said.

WWJ Newsradio 950's Florence Walton spoke with battalion commander Lieutenant Richard Etchison who said the toughest part of the deployment process is saying goodbye.

"You know, if we can just get out the door and focus on our mission... but, leaving the loved ones, family, friends, that's that hardest part of this job," he said.

The 785th will be working to train members of the Afghan National Army.