Thousands of Indiana National Guard soldiers are heading to Iraq. On Wednesday, those troops had an official send-off in Indianapolis and families had a chance to say goodbye one last time.

About 25,000 people packed the stands of the RCA Dome, home of the Indianapolis Colts, but on this occasion these people are not football fans; they are here to say farewell.

“It's the hardest thing I’ve ever done. I got used to saying goodbye to him, but knowing he won't be back for a year, it’s tough,” says Amanda Borders, whose fiancée is heading to Iraq.

“I hate to do this to my family again, leave my son, my wife and leave her with all the responsibilities of home again,” adds Staff Sergeant Rick Love, of Greensburg, Indiana.

More than 3,400 Indiana National Guard troops will be heading to Iraq. Many elected officials, families and friends were on hand to wish the soldiers well. Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels addressed the service men and women, “May the hand of the Lord be upon you and may you meet your duty with full honor.”

“You are the very best that Indiana has to offer,” added Congressman Joe Donnelly.

These soldiers come from several different units, but all make up the 76th Infantry Brigade Combat Team. This deployment is the largest single unit shipped out by the Indiana Guard since World War II.

“Nervous and scared, but my family is very supportive of me,” says PFC Dian Martz of Fort Wayne.

About 150 soldiers from Warsaw's Alpha Company are heading out. For many, this is not their first time to Iraq. Soldiers embraced their families one last time before their long-awaited return.

These Indiana National Guard troops will be deployed for twelve months. They are expected back at the end of 2008 or early 2009.