National Guard Sends Off 50 Iowa Soldiers

Several hundred Iowans crowded into the Army Aviation Support Facility Thursday to send off 50 National Guard Soldiers.

The atmosphere was festive — with flags being waved and patriotic attire being sported — but also somber.

One soldier's mother, Nancy Meier, said she was feeling a mixture of pride and concern for her son, Justin, 25, who will be starting on his second tour abroad.

"It's a different job than what he's done before," Nancy Meier said. Justin Meier had previously served as a combat medic in Iraq in 2009. On this trip, he'll be serving as a flight medic.

Meier has three other boys, all of them serving in the national guard. Her youngest, who is 18, completed his basic training before graduating high school.

Nearby, Justin's girlfriend Allie Erickson was equally sad about saying goodbye. Erickson is expecting Justin's son or daughter in the next few months.

"It's a different type of tour, because there's more of us that are going to be waiting for him," Nancy Meier said.