Nearly 150 soldiers from the Pennsylvania National Guard’s 131st Transportation Company were recognized during a ceremony Saturday afternoon as they prepared for a year-long deployment to Europe, supporting Operation Atlantic Resolve.”I’m very close to my family, so it’ll be sad for me,” Sgt. Barnett said. “I’m going to have my moments where I cry, but I feel like they’re always going to be there every day they’re going to reach out.”The soldiers have spent 18 months training for this moment, and the 131st is now ready for their deployment.Capt. Jason Hadley emphasized the importance of their mission, saying, “I think it’s extremely important we’ll be there to be able to provide crucial logistical support to all of our NATO allies that are there. So we’re honored to be able to do so today.”As the soldiers prepared for their overseas deployment, emotions filled the room.Hadley reflected on the journey, stating, “There’s just so much work that has gotten us to this point that I feel like there’s a lot of us that are just eager. But it’s also, at the same time, it’s just great to see all the families come out. It’s very emotional seeing all the support that’s really there for us and the soldiers.”

HARRISBURG, Pa. —

Nearly 150 soldiers from the Pennsylvania National Guard’s 131st Transportation Company were recognized during a ceremony Saturday afternoon as they prepared for a year-long deployment to Europe, supporting Operation Atlantic Resolve.

“I’m very close to my family, so it’ll be sad for me,” Sgt. Barnett said. “I’m going to have my moments where I cry, but I feel like they’re always going to be there every day they’re going to reach out.”

The soldiers have spent 18 months training for this moment, and the 131st is now ready for their deployment.

Capt. Jason Hadley emphasized the importance of their mission, saying, “I think it’s extremely important we’ll be there to be able to provide crucial logistical support to all of our NATO allies that are there. So we’re honored to be able to do so today.”

As the soldiers prepared for their overseas deployment, emotions filled the room.

Hadley reflected on the journey, stating, “There’s just so much work that has gotten us to this point that I feel like there’s a lot of us that are just eager. But it’s also, at the same time, it’s just great to see all the families come out. It’s very emotional seeing all the support that’s really there for us and the soldiers.”