Family members touched the sides of the buses as they pulled away from the U.S. Army Reserve Center on Wrightsboro Road. The soldiers are headed for Fort Stewart near Savannah, where they will train before being sent to active-duty stations. Their ultimate destination was not disclosed.

A brief farewell ceremony marked a historic moment for the 345th Military Intelligence Battalion - the first time the unit has been deployed in support of an operation. The group is part of 225 Georgia Army reservists called to duty.

"Today's soldiers are leaving their lives and families behind to serve their country at great personal sacrifice," said Maj. Al Nevarez, the battalion's executive officer. "These men and women before you today are the epitome of the phrase 'twice the citizen."'

Shasha Robinson, 10, and Mary Curry wave to Ms. Curry's fiance, Pfc. George Williams, through the windows of a bus carrying the soldiers to Fort Stewart, Ga. MICHAEL HOLAHAN/STAFF

The soldiers are local residents with a variety of backgrounds, including as sheriff's deputies, college students, exterminators and computer technicians.

Capt. Sean Nixon is a network administrator for a local company. On Sunday, he said goodbye to the job for a year and to his wife, Melodie, and three children.

Mrs. Nixon is excited for her husband's chance to serve in a military operation.

"This is something he's always wanted to do," she said.

She found it easy explaining her husband's duty to their children, ages 7, 5 and 3.

"We told them he's going to be playing Army and going to be getting those bad guys that attacked the World Trade Center," she said.

Lt. Col. Richard Sheider told families that their loved ones are sacrificing for a country in need.

"We will come back as victors," he said. "I promise you that."

Pfc. John Kanches gives his girlfriend, Meghan Tomarchio, a farewell kiss. Pfc. Kanches shipped out with the 345th Military Intelligence Battalion from the U.S. Army Reserve Center in Augusta on Sunday morning. MICHAEL HOLAHAN/STAFF

Reach Greg Rickabaugh at (706) 828-3851or greg.rickabaugh@augustachronicle.com.