Deployment Ceremony Planned For McAlester Soldiers Heading To Afghanistan

A deployment ceremony is scheduled for about 100 Oklahoma National Guard soldiers who are deploying to Afghanistan.

The guard says the ceremony will be Saturday at 11 a.m. at the McAlester Armed Forces Reserve Center for members of the 1245th Transportation Company.

The soldiers are part of a medium truck company who are trained in the operation of the Army's Palletized Loading Systems.

The soldiers will leave McAlester for more training at Fort Hood, Texas, before deploying in December for an estimated nine months in Afghanistan.

While deployed they will be responsible for transporting supplies throughout their area of operation along with providing security for themselves and contracted civilians.

This is the third mission to the Middle East for the 1245th Transportation Company. In March 2003, they deployed to Iraq for a one-year "boots on the ground" tour. They deployed to Iraq again in 2008 with the 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team.

10/12/2012 Related Story: Another Oklahoma National Guard Unit Prepares For Deployment

The Associated Press contributed to this report.