It was an emotional goodbye Monday morning at Orlando International Airport as more than 600 Florida National Guard members left for a deployment to Africa.

The Florida Army National Guard’s 2nd Battalion, 124th Infantry Regiment is deploying to the Horn of Africa in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Governor Rick Scott joined spouses, children, parents, and friends at a sendoff ceremony outside the United North Hangar on Tradeport Drive in Orlando to say goodbye.

For some it’s the second, third, even fourth time they have to see their hero deployed overseas.

 “It’s going to be hard,” said Trisha Workman.

She said goodbye to her husband Corey. The couple just had their third child two months ago.

“When she starts crawling, her first words, things like that the little things is going to be the hardest that they miss,”   said Trisha.

“Last time I was deployed now I have three children and I’m married so it’s a big difference,” said Corey Workman.

For Sgt. Lisa McKnight it’s her first deployment and she’s leaving behind her 1-year-old daughter.

“It’s going to be hard but I have a great family and a good support system,” said McKnight

The group will head to Ft. Bliss, Texas, for additional training prior to heading overseas for the estimated nine-month-long mission in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

While in Africa they will be in the Horn of Africa doing protection and security operations.

“Part of the strategic interest of the United States is to just to dissuade conflict in east Africa, promote stability, help our partner countries in that area of the world,” said Lt. Col. Blake Glass.

While they will be thousands of miles away from loved ones they are hoping to stay connected through Skype and other technology.

A small consolation and another sacrifice they make serving our country.

Source: U.S. State Department