Troops say good-bye to loved ones

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - Hundreds of New Mexico National Guard Troops are preparing to head overseas and their loved ones said farewell to them with a Yellow Ribbon Ceremony.

Troops are getting ready for a one year deployment to Kosovo, where they will work for a multinational battle group and peace support operation.

Governor Susan Martinez was at the ceremony to help send the troops off with an early good-bye.

“Please know that the state of New Mexico is very grateful for your service. Proud of your accomplishments and honored to call you our sons and daughters,” Governor Martinez said.

A total of 450 National Guard Troops will head to Kosovo from units in Rio Rancho, Las Cruces, Albuquerque, Santa Fe and Roswell.

Another Yellow Ribbon Ceremony is scheduled for Thursday Jan. 13, 2011