INDIANAPOLIS — It's the largest single deployment of Indiana National Guard troops since World War II.

And 100 members of Warsaw-based Company A are among the 3,400 heading to Iraq.

The troops left the RCA Dome Wednesday, but not before getting a rousing sendoff. More than 10,000 families and friends traveled there from all over the state to say goodbye to their loved ones.

Governor Daniels, Senator Richard Lugar and most of the state’s congressmen spoke to the troops and reminded them of their sacrifice and mission.

Each had their own message for the troops.

"There's good, there's better, and there's the best. You're the very best that the state of Indiana and the United States of America has to offer,” said Rep. Joe Donnelly.

After the ceremony, the troops gathered their stuff and prepared for their year-long deployment.

“It’s very difficult as you can imagine. I’ve got a 17-year-old son and a 19-year-old daughter. I’m leaving my son as the man of the house now. I’m going to miss graduation and football and some wrestling, so yeah it’s very difficult,” said Sgt. Brian Handley.

“I’ve been through this before and kind of knew what to expect. It was hard. I’ve shed a few tears but it was easier,” said Dawn Harris or Fort Wayne.

The troops are heading to Fort Stewart in Georgia for a couple of months of training.

Then it’s off to Kuwait and the war zone in Iraq.

Both the soldiers and their families will be counting down the days until their safe return.