Derrek Vaughn | The Valdosta Daily TimesForty-six soldiers from the Army National Guard prepare to deploy during a send-off held Monday at the armory in Valdosta. 

VALDOSTA — Private 1st Class Adam Rassatt wrapped his arm around his mother’s shoulder Monday before he left on a nine-month deployment to Afghanistan.

Rassatt was one of 46 soldiers deploying as part of the Georgia Army National Guard Delta Company of the 2nd Battalion 121st Infantry Regiment in support of Operation Freedom.

A send-off was held for the soldiers at the National Guard Armory Monday as family and friends gathered to partake in a meal and spend time with their loved ones. Buses departed in the afternoon.

Deann Rassatt said she’s a proud mom though saying goodbye to her only son is difficult.

“It’s hard. It doesn’t matter how old your child is, it’s still your baby. I’m very proud of him for being a part of this, and I know his passion for his country,” she said.

This is Adam Rassatt’s first deployment since he joined the National Guard in 2014. He said he entered the National Guard to serve the community and his family. 

“It sounds kind of old-fashioned, but I just wanted to be part of something greater than myself,” he said.

The soldiers will first attend 30 days of training at Fort Stewart before heading to Afghanistan, Capt. Jason Williams said.

Williams is from the Dakota Company of the 2nd Battalion 121st Infantry Regiment in the 48th Brigade.

“We’re still in support of our nation’s interest based off of the support of the local government in Afghanistan. Trying to win over the hearts and minds of the Afghanistan people so they can govern and control their own state and economy,” Williams said.

He said the deployment is a North Atlantic Treaty Organization mission and of global interest. Countries such as Bosnia and Romania also have troops in Afghanistan, Williams said.

“We are frontline soldiers but our intent is not to fight. Our intent is to support the Afghanistan troops. They do the majority of the operations and we support them in their operations,” he said.

Valdosta Mayor John Gayle and Lowndes County Commission Chairman Bill Slaughter gave speeches.

Gayle said the importance of the National Guard stems from its members willingness to leave their families to serve the United States.

“These are individuals that live here among us. They have families that live in Valdosta, and they’re willing to go and serve their country, and that’s the importance of it,” he said.

The National Guard holds a great amount of significance in Valdosta and the state of Georgia, Slaughter said.

“The biggest thing that we could do as a community is to support these individuals and their families,” he said.

Amanda Usher is a reporter at The Valdosta Daily Times. She can be contacted at 229-244-3400 ext.1274.