An event that hasn’t happened since World War II is making history in Indiana as an Indiana National Guard combat division is deployed to Afghanistan.

A send off ceremony was held Tuesday for the 38th Infantry Division “Task Force Cyclone” at the division’s headquarters in Columbus. It’s the first combat deployment from the headquarters in 60 years.

The families that the troops will leave behind got some specific instructions from the division’s top brass.

“Don’t be a CNN junky. Don’t stay glued to the television. Don’t stay glued to Fox News, MSNBC or whatever,” Maj. Gen. J. Michael Bednarek said. “Stay engaged in dialog with your loved ones, but more importantly dialog with each other.”

To help keep the tears away once the soldiers reach Afghanistan, the families get a pep talk.

“It’s gratifying that my family was sitting out there. It’s what we do this for, it’s help build a better life for our children and grandchildren and your 9-month-old grandson will remind you of that,” Task Force Cyclone commander Brig. Gen. Lonnie Culver said.

As the families looked on at the soldiers for the last time as they leave for their assignment it was clear prayer will be needed to help ease the pain.

“For me it feels like I’m doing something for them as well, as the rest of the country,” Staff Sgt. Wilbur Miller said.

There are more than 200 members of task force cyclone. Part of their mission will be to assist the Afghan government with security, construction, economic and agricultural support.

“It kind of swells my heart a little bit when they get to see what I get to do and what our mission is,” Sgt. Eric Sprang said.

The division will also help with things such training and housing of U.S. troops entering the country.

Original article is here