SHELBYVILLE, Ind. -- Departure did not come easy Saturday for more than 100 Indiana National Guard soldiers headed for Iraq.

Families gathered at the Shelbyville Armory to cherish every moment before the soldiers left on their mission, 6News' Ericka Flye reported.

It was a time for tears, a time to hold onto loved ones and a time for prayer.

One of the group's duties is medical evacuation -- saving the lives of their own.

"No matter where they are, no matter what happens, should things go south and they get torn up, the Medevac will come and get them," said one soldier.

The soldiers will be in Iraq for more than a year.

"This is not easy for the soldier or their families. Plans have been delayed or canceled. Dreams are being postponed. Birthdays and anniversaries will be missed," said Maj. Gen. Richard Moorhead.

The soldiers' purpose is greater than self. They are proud to answer their call to duty, to serve their country in a time of war.

Troy Rosiak's children got a chance to check out the helicopter their dad will fly in Iraq as he cherished each moment with them.

"(There are) mixed emotions. (It's) hard to say goodbye," Rosiak said.