Georgia guardsmen being deployed overseas

MARIETTA, Ga. (FOX 5 Atlanta) - An emotional send-off for a group of Atlanta-area soldiers.

Family and friends gathered in Marietta Thursday to say goodbye to the Georgia Army National Guard’s 171st General Support Aviation Battalion.

A departure ceremony was held at Clay National Guard Center Thursday afternoon.

Loved ones waved American flags as they said final farewells to the soldiers.

Leaders spoke briefly to the crowd, thanking military families for the sacrifice they make as well.

The soldiers are now on their way to Kosovo in southeastern Europe.