LOWELL, Mass. (MyFoxBoston.com) -- Family members said goodbye Saturday to dozens of soldiers headed overseas.
It's a goodbye that's harder to say than most.
"It's kind of a roller coaster still, not sure what to expect," said Sgt. Daniel Bottego
One hundred and sixty members of the Massachusetts National Guard were sent off at UMass Lowell. Members of the 1060th transportation company located in Framingham will deploy to Kuwait for nine months in support of Operation Spartan Shield.
"We're excited for our mission to go and an opportunity to serve our country," said Lt. Joe Sheehan.
Sheehan's aunt feels what many military families do: a sense of pride, but also sadness to see him leave.
"We are pretty concerned about Joe. We are proud of him, but we are worried about him," said Sherry Sheehan.
This is the third overseas deployment of the 1060th transportation company since Sept. 11. Sheehan says that it never gets any easier.
"It's difficult leaving the family behind, but I'm lucky I have a good support network. They know this is what I love to do and they're very supportive," he said.
Hugs lingered and loved ones wished their soldiers as well as they headed off.
The unit previously deployed to Iraq in 2006 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Kuwait in 2010 in support of Operation New Dawn.