Corey Perrine | Photojournalist

Essay: Home of the Brave

On Saturday, Aug. 21 at Fort Gordon, over 120 soldiers from Bravo Company, 63rd Expeditionary Signal Battalion deployed in the afternoon following a farewell ceremony. The mission will last a year in support of the U.S. Army 3rd Armored Calvary Regiment and drawdown in Iraq.

Like any American soldier, they fight to make the world safer from terrorists, in a sometimes frightening post 9-11 era.

The hand of Ceteka Snowden, bottom, touches tips with her fiancee Sgt. Terrance Handy, while his mother Teresa, left, does the same Saturday, Aug. 21 at Fort Gordon. "I hope he comes back safe," Snowden said. "I love him so much." The two have been engaged two months and plan to marry upon his return.
   
Dolly Griggs sheds tears while being held by husband Tony as they see their son, Pvt. Christian Griggs off Saturday, Aug. 21 at Fort Gordon.
  
Troops assemble in formation Saturday, Aug. 21 at Fort Gordon.
     
  
Caitlyn Burner, 6, holds a doll with her dad's picture, Sgt. John Burner, Saturday, Aug. 21 at Fort Gordon. For the next year this will have to suffice as her dad is overseas. Sgt. Burner would unfortunately be the first in his unit to pass with flu-like symptoms overseas Sept. 17, 2010. Sgt. Burner leaves behind two girls Celina, 10 and his wife Verena. He was 32.
   
From left, Sgt. Partick Rautert, Pvt. Allen White, Pfc. Alyssa Tamayo, Pfc. Cristina Rodriguez and PFC Georg Westfall make last minute calls to friends and family Saturday, Aug. 21 at Fort Gordon.
  
Patrons wait for troops to exit a deployment ceremony Saturday, Aug. 21 at Fort Gordon.
     
  
Harleigh Tenio, 8, plays with a camcorder laying next to her dad's M16 rifle with brother Jayden, 7, Saturday, Aug. 21 at Fort Gordon.
  
Sgt. John Burner, of Grovetown, kisses his wife, Verena, Saturday, Aug. 21 at Fort Gordon. Sgt. Burner would unfortunately be the first in his unit to pass with flu-like symptoms overseas Sept. 17, 2010. Sgt. Burner leaves behind two girls Celina, 10, Caitlyn, 6, and his wife Verena. He was 32.