460 troops in New Jersey deployed to Persian Gulf

LAKEHURST, N.J. (WPVI) -- Emotions ran high as hundreds of members of the New Jersey National Guard prepared for a year of deployment in the Persian Gulf.

About 460 troops from the 114th Infantry Battalion gathered on Doughboy Field at Joint Base Mcguire-Dix-Lakehurst for Wednesday's departure ceremony.

With their families watching from the stands, these citizen soldiers are preparing to head to Qatar in the Persian Gulf.

"It is a difficult time for the families. You watch the news, you think everybody's coming home but that really isn't the case right now," said Brigadier General Michael Cundiff.

"I've been to Iraq in 2008. I'm just nervous about leaving my kids for a year," said Specialist Joe Ripa.

The soldiers will be deployed for a year, doing security and mission planning and that means leaving family and loved ones behind.

"It's hard you know? I have a 4-year-old and one on the way and he's leaving family, it's tough. He thinks daddy's coming right back home and he doesn't realize it's going to be as long as it's going to be for," said Danielle Owen.

"It's hard but what doesn't kill us makes us stronger. So hopefully it will build us, make our family closer and everything will be good," said Specialist Tom Owen.

Sergeant David Bugle of Emmaus is saying goodbye to his girlfriend and her daughter who admit rising tensions in Iraq have made them more nervous about his deployment to the Middle East.

"Yes it did, it definitely did. It's possible it could change but we don't know," said Yvette Nigro.

"I'm scared for him. I wish he didn't have to go. I've looked up to him for so long," said Ashley Nigro.

"I'm looking forward to it, accomplishing the mission and looking forward to coming home," said Sgt. Bugel.

The troops will first stop in Texas for training before heading to Qatar.