Soldiers assigned to 2nd Battalion, 18th Field Artillery deployed to the U.S. Central Command's area of operation last month from Lawton.

They left in three stages -- Aug. 21, Aug. 23 and Aug. 24 -- as family members and friends gave all of the Soldiers a heartfelt send off prior to their departure.

The 2-18th FA Soldiers spent their final afternoons here with family members and friends before leaving for the airport.

This is the Mission Ready battalion's fourth time deploying, but it is a first for some of the departing Soldiers.

Spc. Christopher Lopez, a paralegal assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 2-18th FA, said he is on his first deployment and is excited to be going even though he will miss his wife.

Family members of the Mission Ready Soldiers displayed a range of emotions as they said good bye to their loved ones.

"I am proud of him because he is serving his country," said Zaira Lopez, Christopher Lopez's wife. "I am also sad, because I will not have him around for a long time."

Staff Sgt. Frank Bargas, a platoon sergeant assigned to the battalion, is a seasoned Soldier when it comes to deploying.

"I give credit to my wife, Tutina, for my four previous successful deployments," said Bargas. "She has to step up and fill the shoes of being the father and the mother, and that is not an easy task."

These times apart introduce different stresses to families regardless of how many times they are affected by deployments.

"The fourth deployment is no different than the other three he went on," said Tutina. "The feelings of him leaving are the same as the other deployments."

There are two things that will keep the battalion focused on their mission: a strong rear detachment and strong families.

The Mission Ready Soldiers who deployed will be propelled forward through both these things along with the pride that they have in themselves and their country.