(Photo by Staff Sgt. Torin Olsen)

On April 19, 2012 approximately 125 Soldiers from the 411th Engineer Brigade, 412th Theater Engineer Command, prepared to deploy at Stewart Air National Guard Base. Friends, family, loved ones, military officials, community leaders, the Warriors Watch Riders, the USO Liberty Belles, the West Point Band, and veterans support groups honored the Soldiers as they prepared to leave for Fort Bliss, Texas, where they will finalize their preparation before being deployed to Afghanistan.

The West Point Band performed patriotic selections to a room full of emotional family members as they wished their Soldiers well before saying their goodbyes. Master Sgt. MaryKay Messenger sang the "National Anthem" before Brig. Gen. Douglas R. Satterfield, deputy commander of 412th Theater Engineer Command, and Brig. Gen. David L. Weeks, commander of 411th Engineer Brigade addressed the room about the mission.

"We face a daunting task mission in Afghanistan. The eyes of the entire United States Army will be upon the men and women of the 411th Engineer Brigade. In a matter of months, they will assume full responsibility for combat engineering and tactical construction across the entire country of Afghanistan," said Weeks.

"It's a big deal. We're going to be spread all over the country managing all the base camp construction and taking care of the war fighters that are over there," added deputy commander Col. John Elam.