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Arizona soldiers deploy to Afghanistan

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Posted 3:54 PM 5/4/2012 : Arizona soldiers deploy to Afghanistan

TUCSON - 35 Arizona soldiers left town Friday, headed for Fort Hood, Texas and then to Afghanistan.

They're from the 258th Aviation Regiment, and are going to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. For some of the soldiers, this will be their second deployment.

Captain Luis Aguirre says leaving his young daughter is the hardest part.

"It's tough. The good thing is that with all the technology it will be easier to stay in contact, but missing a year of her life...that will never be replaced."

Many community members and Veterans came out to see the men and women off, and show their support.

For Al Dupre, it was all very surprising.

"I wasn't expecting all of this so it makes us feel appreciated."

While in Texas, the group will receive additional pre-deployment training. They expect the entire mission to take about a year.

Paul Young says it's hard to leave his family.

"I'm leaving my wife here and I also have three children. That's really the hardest part of the deployment."

Pat Sexton, who has two Marine sons, says saying goodbye is bitter sweet.

"We know we can't go and they have stepped forward and they have raised their right hand and are willing to go for us. We love them very, very much."

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