National Guardsmen and women from Illinois are deploying from southern Illinois to eventually head to the US Central Command of Area Responsibility in the Middle East. The 2nd battalion of the 103rd infantry regiment is heading to Fort Bliss in Texas before going overseas.

The Illinois Adjutant General Richard Neely said at a send-off ceremony that as those citizen-soldiers were preparing to leave those family members left behind need to be recognized.

Members of the National Guard deploying serve from around Marion, West Frankfort, Mt. Vernon, Effingham, and Litchfield.