Soldiers and families of the Kansas National Guards 169th Combat Sustainment Support Brigade will be honored in a departure ceremony Saturday, Oct. 20. The ceremony will begin at 9 a.m. in the multipurpose room of the Dr. Thomas Burkes Technical Education Center, Kansas City Kansas Community College, 6565 State Ave., Kansas City, Kansas. A social hour will begin at 8 a.m. with snacks and refreshments provided.

"It always makes me proud when Kansas soldiers step up to do their part in the cause of freedom," Gov. Laura Kelly said. "I know that the best wishes of every Kansan go with these fine Citizen-Soldiers. We pledge to give their families whatever support we can while they're gone."

The 169th CSSB Headquarters and Headquarters Company soldiers will deploy to Afghanistan under the command of battalion commander Lt. Col. Dallas McMullen and Capt. Joshua Sprunk, HHC commander, where they will be responsible for the logistics and sustainment for forces operating in the southern half of the country.

Without a doubt, this headquarters is ready to deploy, said McMullen. Soldiers assigned to the 169th CSSB are dedicated, committed, and competent professionals. They trained hard and invested countless hours preparing to provide the very best sustainment support for Operation Freedom's Sentinel and Resolute Support over the next year."