ARIZONA NEWS

15 Arizona soldiers deployed to Afghanistan

Feb 28, 2014, 3:39 PM | Updated: 3:40 pm

PHOENIX — Fifteen Airmen from the 161st Air Refueling Wing Logistics Readiness Squadron have been deployed to serve a six-month tour of duty in Afghanistan.

“It’s going to be tough,” said Staff Sgt. Anthony Anderson. “The first time I deployed I didn’t have a wife or daughter. The game has changed.”

During an official send off at Sky Harbor Airport, unit leadership encouraged the airmen to use the technology available to maintain contact with their loved ones, while they provide aerial services for U.S forces oversees.

According to the Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs, more than 100 Arizona National Guard soldiers and airmen are still serving on federal active duty overseas.

More than 10,000 Arizona Guard members have been called to federal active service since Sept. 11, 2001.

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15 Arizona soldiers deployed to Afghanistan