Sep 4, 2008 4:51 pm US/Eastern
Md. Soldiers Head Out To Train Afghan Army
MARYLAND (WJZ) ―
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Soldiers with the Maryland National Guard are heading out to Afghanistan to train members of the Afghan Army.
CBS
It's a mission designed to get American troops out of Afghanistan by training the Afghan Army.
Jessica Kartalija reports members of the Maryland National Guard left for a year-long deployment Thursday.
Their mission is to train members of the Afghan Army.
"We want them to take over the country. We want them to basically take the responsibilities so we can say 'Adios, see you later,' said Brig. Gen. Alberto Jimenez with the Maryland National Guard.
Sixteen soldiers with the Maryland Army National Guard will travel to Fort Riley, Kan. before deploying to Afghanistan.
Major William Schmeling is the team's senior mentor. It's his first deployment.
"At a time like this, emotions are just raw. We know that we have this huge job to do. The job is that of sacrifice. Part of that sacrifice is to leave our families behind," he said.
"Every night, even when I'm 9, he always reads me a story before I go to bed. I think that's what I am going to miss the most, because it's a dad and daughter kind of thing," said daughter Hannah Schmeling.
For family members left behind, it's another challenge.
"How to best support him and how to be there for my daughter, Hannah. And how to keep things stable at home," said wife Jill Schmeling.
Troops snapped last minute pictures and gave last minutes kisses, while hoping for a safe return.
The troops will spend about two months at Fort Riley and will spend the next year in Afghanistan.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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