N.J. troops head for yearlong deployment to Iraq

Family and friends gathered at Trenton Mercer Airport early Monday morning to send members of the 150th Assault Helicopter Battalion off to Iraq for a yearlong tour of duty. While most of the men and

News 12 Staff

•

Feb 2, 2009, 6:36 PM

•

Updated 5,741 days ago

Family and friends gathered at Trenton Mercer Airport early Monday morning to send members of the 150th Assault Helicopter Battalion off to Iraq for a yearlong tour of duty.

While most of the men and women are anxious to get their tours started, some say they are nervous.

?I?m kind of nervous, it?s going to be my first tour, so I?m definitely looking forward to it,? says Spc. Rina Patel of the New Jersey National Guard.

Family and friends say they are hopeful the year goes by quickly, so that their loved ones will be back before they know it.

?It's hard but I?ve got to be strong for my husband and for my girls," says Monica Mensah.

While the troops from the 150th Assault Helicopter Battalion are departing for duty, more soldiers are set to return from Iraq Monday and arrive at McGuire Air Force Base.