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Sam Penrod reportingAnother round of call-ups for Army Reserve members in Utah means more military families will spend the holidays without loved ones.
Two Utah units went on active duty this morning, as Army officials met with their families to help with the transisition.
We've been seeing these military callups to active duty to support military operations in Afghanistan and Iraq for quite some time now.
But for the families sending off soldiers, it doesn't get any easier.
It's only been one week since members of the 395th Finance Battallion and the 117th Chaplin Detachment learned they were being called to active duty.
Since that time they have been busy getting prepared for a deployment that could last up to 18 months.
These soliders are part of the Army Reserves and will use their skills in accounting and counseling in the Persian Gulf region, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
And today, they reported to duty after being briefed with their families about what their mobilization will entail.
Sgt. Gregory Bennett/ 395th Finance Battalion: "It will be difficult, I know that. I know we will miss them too. But I know we are in God's hands and He will help me, and He will help my wife and child."
Lt. Brian Slagle/ 395th Finance Battalion: "We've prepared, we've trained. It's a great opportunity to serve our country. We're ready."
Wife of Solider: "I'm grateful there are this many good men and women out there to bring us the freedom that we enjoy."
Today's deployment will affect about 50 Utah soliders and their families.
These soliders will be in training at Fort Carson, Colorado, for a few weeks before they are deployed overseas sometime after the first of the new year.
