In coming days, many around the state will bid farewell to loved ones. This month, 940 troops with the Wyoming Army National Guard's 115th Fires Brigade deploy to the Middle East, leaving behind spouses, children, parents, siblings, grandparents, friends and neighbors.The military deployment is the largest in the Cowboy State's history.Communities around the state will feel the absence of these citizens over the next year in a variety of ways. From Park County, 13 Powell soldiers, 18 Cody troops and one from Meeteetse are among the brigade, and they certainly will be missed.The journey ahead likely will be filled with new experiences, challenges, heartaches and triumphs for the Guard members and their families alike. It will be a long year, and those who are making difficult sacrifices deserve to be honored.In addition to this month's deployment, many other Wyoming natives are currently serving around the world in other branches of the military — often working thanklessly.Here in Powell, we can offer our encouragement and support to those who serve in various branches of the U.S. Military. Each month through Powell Troop Support, residents send care packages to local men and women serving in the armed forces. To contribute, contact Bonnie Rouse at 754-4272, Anne Ruward at 754-4739 or take donations to First National Bank.Families statewide who will be dealing with the absence daily also are in need of additional support at this time. To assist Wyoming families affected by the deployment, contact the Family Readiness Program at 307-772-5208.Those of us at the Tribune offer our gratitude and best wishes to the Guard troops as they depart. Godspeed.

In coming days, many around the state will bid farewell to loved ones. This month, 940 troops with the Wyoming Army National Guard's 115th Fires Brigade deploy to the Middle East, leaving behind spouses, children, parents, siblings, grandparents, friends and neighbors.

The military deployment is the largest in the Cowboy State's history.

Communities around the state will feel the absence of these citizens over the next year in a variety of ways. From Park County, 13 Powell soldiers, 18 Cody troops and one from Meeteetse are among the brigade, and they certainly will be missed.

The journey ahead likely will be filled with new experiences, challenges, heartaches and triumphs for the Guard members and their families alike. It will be a long year, and those who are making difficult sacrifices deserve to be honored.

In addition to this month's deployment, many other Wyoming natives are currently serving around the world in other branches of the military — often working thanklessly.

Here in Powell, we can offer our encouragement and support to those who serve in various branches of the U.S. Military.

Each month through Powell Troop Support, residents send care packages to local men and women serving in the armed forces. To contribute, contact Bonnie Rouse at 754-4272, Anne Ruward at 754-4739 or take donations to First National Bank.

Families statewide who will be dealing with the absence daily also are in need of additional support at this time. To assist Wyoming families affected by the deployment, contact the Family Readiness Program at 307-772-5208.

Those of us at the Tribune offer our gratitude and best wishes to the Guard troops as they depart. Godspeed.