National Guard Brigade Honored Before Deployment

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Saturday was a day of emotional goodbyes as family and friends gathered to say farewell and honor and support a group of departing troops.

More than 6,000 people packed the Ford Center to show their support for the National Guard's 45th Fires Brigade.

About 800 men and women from the 45th Fires Brigade, headquartered in Enid, will be deploying for Operation Iraqi Freedom.

The brigade will be spending 2 to 3 months in Fort Hood, Texas training for convoy security missions, and preparing the troops to defend the supply lines in and out of Iraq.

Governor Brad Henry was also at the ceremony and he said he looks forward to the troops safe return home.

"Thank you for the dedication and duty, your courage and strength and character, for the deep and abiding commitment you made to Oklahoma and the United States," Governor Henry said.

The Brigade will start moving to Fort Hood, Texas on Monday for training.