Families Gather for Troop Sendoff Party

Hundreds of family and friends gathered Friday for a huge send off for members of the Barrow County National Guard unit.

About 400 troops of the First Battalion 121st Infantry unit are scheduled to deploy from Winder on Monday.

There was good food, music and even a place to take family portraits.

Organizers of the event said it's the last time the families and soldiers will be together in a big group.

"I told my daughter, I said, 'Daddy has to go out and protect the world from the bad guys. The president asked daddy and all of his friends to go out protect the world from the bad guys.' She kind of understands to a degree, but she will miss me," said Barrow County National Guard Specialist Griffith.