Six American soldiers were among nine people killed today in Afghanistan. This comes as more troops get ready to deploy there from North Texas.
As 130 National Guard men and women get into formation at the National Guard Armory in Irving, their focus is on the mission ahead. The 176th Engineer Brigade is preparing to head to Afghanistan, following the military's bloodiest month of Operation Enduring Freedom.
They've known for the past year this day would come. A couple of newlyweds have been ready for even longer.
"I was preparing myself since I started dating him because I knew that one day he's going to go to Afghanistan or Iraq," Rosselyn Jones said about her husband, 1st Lt. Allan Jones.
Married only one month, they are putting their honeymoon on hold. His unit will be deployed for one year.
"I've done as much honey-do's as I can to try to stock up for the year so that she's able to roll on, keep the operations going while I'm gone," he said.
It's his first deployment, which is "very emotional" for Rosselyn. She says she's scared and worried.
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This weekend, the soldiers are boxing up equipment and supplies they'll need to work on Afghan roads and buildings.
"I trust him," Rosselyn said. "I know he's going to be okay."
The soldiers have a couple more days with their families and in training before they load their bags up on Tuesday to head for Eastern Afghanistan.
