Tears streamed down the faces of family and friends, and a few soldiers, too, as members of the 122nd Corps Support Group loaded the bus that would take them to Fort Benning, Ga. in preparation for deployment to Iraq.

Soldiers took their last moments before leaving to hug their wives, husbands, children and parents and say a few encouraging words.

Around 44 of the 125 troops in the Selma-based unit left for Georgia Monday morning following a short send-off ceremony, with the rest scheduled to follow sometime in early to mid November.

Once in Iraq, the unit will be responsible for the safety of truck convoys along supply routes and supply basic essentials such as food, water and supplies to the base camp.

“We are ready to go,” said Glen Henderson, who was among the first group to leave Monday.

Nearby Henderson was the visibly upset family of David Johnston, who were distraught at seeing their loved one leave.

“I am trying to cope in the best way I can,” said Nannie Johnston, David’s mother. “We will make it.”

During the send-off ceremony, Major General Ronald Stokes, former commander of the 122nd, gave a few words of advice to the departing soldiers.

“The biggest enemy you have is your own complacency,” Stokes said. “Keep your spirits up, your head in the game, and your eyes open. You will be OK.”

Stokes said he had a high amount of respect for the men and women of the 122nd and there was not a more professional group in the Alabama National Guard.

“To the families, what we need from you is your unwavering support,” Stokes said. “This unit needs to know that everything is going to be okay back home.”

Mayor James Perkins, whose office worked with Dallas County and the 122nd to organize the ceremony, said though it was hard to see the troops leave, Selma residents understood that the members of the National Guard unit had to “fulfill their military duty and answer their call to service.”

“We know that you are well-trained to handle functions in situations we cannot even image,” Perkins said. “We know that you are extremely capable and part of the world’s greatest military force.”

“Know that we, your family, and your community are in constant prayer. We will be praying for your protection and your safe return.” Perkins told the troops. “Know that you are appreciated. We recognize that you are making a great personal and unselfish sacrifice for the whole of America. I also want to remind you to trust God.”

Probate Judge Johnny Jones thanked the many people who were involved in the preparations for the ceremony and said it was a special day for all of Dallas County.

“This unit is steeped in tradition in this county,” Jones said. “We are proud of the 122nd support group and the troops of this unit.”

Jones then presented a key to Dallas County to the unit and asked them to hang it the unit’s Iraqi headquarters as a reminder of all those waiting for them back home.

As the ceremony ended, the crowd sang a touching version of “God Bless America” before soldiers were given a few quiet moments with their family and began loading the bus.

Once all the troops were onboard, the Dallas County Sheriff’s Department and Selma Fire Department escorted the troops thorough Selma to the county line.