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READY TO SERVE: Local National Guard troops set to deploy next week in support of 'Operation Freedom's Sentinel'

MARION - Marshall Anderson spent the last week preparing to be gone from his family, his job, and his life in Herrin for the next 400 days.

Marshall, who works as a corrections officer at Menard in Chester, is also a member of the Illinois National Guard.

His battalion, the Illinois 2nd, 130th Infantry Regiment will deploy to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.

Anderson said he was not at liberty to disclose his specific location, but according to the Library of Congress website, the AOR includes countries in the Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia, most notably Afghanistan and Iraq.

A media release from the Department of Military Affairs last week stated that the until would "deploy in support of Operation Freedom's Sentinel."The units are located in Marion, West Frankfort, Mount Vernon, Litchfield, and Effingham.

The 135th Chemical Company based in northern Illinois will deploy on Jan. 25.

Anderson said that while leaving his family behind, especially his son, Ryker, who spent part of last weekend helping his dad pack, he is proud and even excited to serve on active duty.

"I never expected to go," he said, "but I'm excited to be part of it, to serve."

Anderson's family is no stranger to the military life.

His grandfather and uncles served in past wars including World War II, Korea, and Vietnam.

His brother, Isaiah, just finished his military service, serving in Japan.

Anderson's mom, Pat, said she is proud of her son.

"Of course, I'm worried," she said, as the family shared a dinner at their favorite Herrin restaurant, El Jalisco earlier in the week. "But I'm really proud of him."

Pat attended a farewell dinner with her son last Sunday at the Marion Army National Guard center in Marion.

Volunteers served 140 pounds of smoked turkey, 70 pounds of mashed potatoes, four gallons of gravy, and multiple pans of green beans, rolls, and desserts to the troops and their families.

Pat said that there was also an abundance of information for families.

One thing that people should know, she said, is that there is special language in the Family and Medical Leave Act that pertains to deployment.

"If you are caring for children of deployed military, you can take time off from work and not be penalized," she said.

Pat, who works at Aisin in Marion, said there are several things that fall under that umbrella.

"I applied for it and I got it," she said. She is planning to be available to help with Ryker during her son's deployment.

As for Marshall, he was scraping his plate clean with a grin. "Yeah, it will probably be a while before I eat like this," he said.

The mobilization ceremony is set for 2 p.m. Jan. 21 at the Banterra Center in Carbondale.

Sgt. Cory Brinkley from Carterville pauses for a family photo following the dinner. Tony Kendrick photo
Herrin's Sgt. Garrett Lukens and his family spent some quality time at the predeployment dinner. Tony Kendrick photo
Pat Anderson Holly Kee photo
The drill floor was full of soldiers and their family members enjoying a predeployment meal last Sunday in Marion. Tony Kendrick photo