TRENTON,MO --  An emotional goodbye for 170 men and women citizen-soldiers of the Missouri National Guard's 548th Transportation Company.

The troops will depart from the United States to head to Afghanistan for a year.

They walked into a packed Ketcham Community Center in Trenton to roars of cheers.

The troops come from all over the state of Missouri, including Milan's own, Sergeant Brennen Carter, who was blown away by the standing ovation.

"When we walked in there and everyone was cheering my heart just sank. You know my family is here, my wife, my sons, and we got a new one on the way! It's really overwhelming," said Sgt. Carter.

Also on hand for the big sendoff was Major General Stephen L. Danner and the Governor of Missouri Jay Nixon.

Nixon, although impressed with the crowd, was not surprised.

"Everyone here is excited, but also nervous and it's important to send them off strong from the show me state," said Governor Nixon.

So what lies ahead for these 170 men and women once they get to Afghanistan?

"Our mission is going to be whatever our Chair of Command hands down to us. We are transportation, you call and we haul. We haul everything to the best of our ability. We are there to help the Afghan people and the United States of America and get the job done and come home," Sgt. Carter said.

Sergeant Carter's sister Hannah Scott was emotional during her final goodbye.

She will miss her brother immensely, but knows he is heading overseas to fight for the freedom of all Americans.

"I'm very proud of him and I just want to tell him that. I just want him to come back home safe," said Scott.

The 548th Transportation Company will head to Fort Bliss, Texas for more extensive training.

They will then board planes in the coming weeks and head to Afghanistan for a year.

The governor has one bit of advice for his fellow troops.

"Be safe and be strong! It's an asymmetrical war with IED's and attacks from all areas. There are literally things blowing up in the middle of the roads. It's asymmetrical.  We want them to all come home," Governor Nixon said.

As for Sergeant Carter and his wife, there was a final kiss and a final goodbye, but the goodbye wont be their last.

Sergeant Carter is already making plans for his return to the United States. He is planning a trip to Hawaii.