WEST DES MOINES, Iowa — The 103rd Sustainment Command held a farewell ceremony at Valley Stadium on Sunday as they prepare to deploy to the Middle East for a year-long mission.

The ceremony was attended by military families and state representatives, including Governor Reynolds, all showing support for the soldiers. Soldiers and family members said the event served as a final show of support and love.

“What just happened on paper was a farewell ceremony, but we’re looking at it more as a celebration,” said Lindsey Wagner, a soldier in the 103rd Sustainment Command. “You know, the support from the families and from some representatives from the state, and it’s not a goodbye. It’s a see you later, and we’re really excited.”

Ryan Goche has family deploying in the 103rd and said, “Mixed emotions, you know you’re excited, but at the same time, you’re nervous, you know, they’re going across seas. You have all these mixed emotions like everybody does.”

Nyla O’Connell, whose son is deploying for the second time, said it doesn’t get easier. “I won’t see him for a year, so that’s a long time. And he’s just recently been married. Married a year in October. So that’s hard for his wife, too.”

While emotions were high as families said their goodbyes, many said the large community support lifted spirits.

“It’s really meaningful. It really shows how much support we’re getting from just everybody around and I think it’s a huge boost, a morale for the troops,” said Wagner.

This year, Iowa saw its largest deployment of soldiers in 15 years. Around 250 soldiers deployed with the 103rd Sustainment Command, adding to the growing number of Iowa soldiers overseas.