Ten Wisconsin soldiers prepare to depart From Appleton to Afghanistan

APPLETON — The families of 10 Wisconsin Army Reserve members are saying their good-byes this weekend as the soldiers prepare for a Valentine's Day deployment.

The soldiers from the Appleton-based 395th Ordnance Company are shipping out early Sunday. The Army Reserve held a send-off Friday in Appleton attended by Gov. Scott Walker.

The soldiers specialize in handling ammunition. They'll focus on its removal and distribution from various sites in Afghanistan.

Brigadier Gen. Jonathan McColumn says they're a small team but have a very large responsibility.

The deployment is expected to last six to nine months.