The scenes were all too familiar Tuesday as soldiers of the Third Battalion of the Seventh Cavalry Regiment departed Fort Stewart to do their part in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Last minute goodbyes, many of them tearful, played out against a backdrop of weapons checks, equipment loading and endless verifying of the all-important flight manifests.
Spartan Brigade Chaplain Maj. Robert Hearn was on hand to wish the soldiers well, offer spiritual support and remind them, “We will get you back home just as soon as we can.”
More flights will be following as the units of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team deploy.