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Soldiers say goodbye to family before Middle East deployment

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Family members wiped away tears as they gave final hugs to their loved ones who deployed Saturday.

The Army Reserve Unit held a ceremony at the University of North Florida.

The 56 soldiers began training missions in southwest Asia in October.

“It’s a see you soon and that’s what gets us through,” said soldier Alexis Restivo. “And we become a family here as a unit and we have a support system here and a support system at home.”

The 1186th Battalion will focus on managing all seaport terminal operations, mobility support and management operations in major sea terminals.

“We have a lot of sacrifices that have to be made and somebody has to do it so that we’re able to have a free country that we can live in today,” said Restivo. “I’m that one.”

Anna Bradley’s granddaughter is being deployed.

“We are so proud. We are so thankful she is willing to serve her county,” said Bradley.

Restivo said she wants her boys to know one thing before she leaves.

“That their mom loves them and I will be home soon.”

The soldiers will be stationed in Qatar, United of Emirates, Kuwait, Afghanistan and Bahrain.