An Army reserve unit based in suburban Forest Park was set to deploy Monday for a year-long mission to Iraq.

Members of the 318th Public Affairs Operations center gathered with their families for a pre-deployment event Sunday. This is the unit’s second deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Troops will be at the press information center.

Three members of the Jones family serve in the military. This time it’s mother Lt. Col. Paula Jones’ turn to deploy.

“This is a second deployment after only seven months of being back at home. I’m a little anxious but ready to get started with the mission,” she said.

“I’m used to it now. She’s been gone on several deployments. So, it’s just one of those things where you understand. You try to be supportive as much as you can,” said her husband, Lt. Col. James Jones.

“Both my parents are very different from one another, and if they can both find something they love and are passionate about in the United States Army, I was positive there was something there for me,” the couple’s daughter, 2nd Lt. Candace Jones, said.

The unit will travel first to Fort Dix, New Jersey before going to Iraq.

Original story is here