On Tuesday, President Obama announced that 17,000 troops will head to Afghanistan. Locally, about 15 National Guard soldiers will be deployed in June.

The deployment of Alpha Company, based in Hammond, was scheduled long before President Obama's announcement. But the numbers -- roughly 170 National Guard soldiers to deploy in June -- reflect Mr. Obama's focus on Afghanistan.

"Obviously the policy of the President and the government has somewhat shifted from Iraq to Afghanistan," said Capt. Nathan Harlan, who as commander of Alpha Company will head to Afghanistan as well.

One local National Guard soldier preparing for his first deployment is Alex Cenova, who works as an ironworker.

He's also newly married; he and wife Heather have been married just over two weeks and they recently moved into an apartment in Mishawaka.

They also share a son, 6-month-old Michael.

"I can't imagine how hard it's going to be being away from him for a year," said Cenova.

But after nearly three years in the National Guard, Cenova said he is ready to go and to serve his country.

"I feel like I'm trained properly and that I'll be able to do my job proficiently over there but yeah I'm definitely nervous about it," said Cenova.

Nervous about leaving his new wife and son behind, but as ready as he and others could be.

"I'm ready to get over there and get it done, it'll be an experience that I'll be able to say I was there, I helped fight the war in Afghanistan," said Cenova. "Something that I'll be proud of. I'll be able to tell my son when he gets older."

Six Soldiers with the 319th Forward Support Company will leave in June as well.