Off To War One Last Time

Shot a deployment for Marines from 1 MEF this morning as they were heading off for a year to Afghanistan for what is believed to be the last troops who will be going to the region. Although the scene looked about the same as ones I've shot in the past, I have to believe the families were feeling a bit of WTF. I mean, we have somewhat drawn down the war, trained the Afghan Security forces to take over, and killed OBL and are producing lots of domestic oil. It just seems like the sense of purpose for being there has gotten to be a bit convoluted.
In any event, everyone put on a brave face and seemed to know the drill. It's always hard to see the kids deal though. They have such an honest, impulsive reaction Dad or Mom leaving and you just feel their pain.
I have a tremendous amount of respect for these folks and hope to be celebrating(in photos) their homecoming next year.