Friends and family members of the 144th National Guard Transportation Company out of Marianna are counting the days until their loved ones return home.

The 66 guardsmen flew out of Tallahassee this morning. They’re headed to Indiana for a month of training before going to Iraq, according to the Capitol News Service.

Lt. Gov. Jeff Kottkamp praised the troops for their courage.

“I hope as you go, you have an enormous sense of pride in what you are doing, because what you are doing is historic," Kottkamp said. "What you are doing is important, what you are doing will change the lives of people in another part of the world forever and ever.”

Private First Class Jessica Gates is leaving her 2-year-old son behind.

“I’m hoping when I get done and come home it will all be worth it and I’ll be able to provide for him better and do better for myself," Gates said.

The transportation company will join up with the 1218th out of West Palm Beach to help protect and move combat equipment across the desert.