(WSBT) A local National Guard unit finished its stateside training at Fort Dix in New Jersey last week, but they're still waiting to start their mission in Iraq.

South Bend-based Company F was originally supposed to fly to Kuwait Thursday night, but their plane was late getting in. That led to several postponements of their flight. And, according to one family member we talked with Saturday night, they still hadn't left yet.

Earlier this week, while on a short leave, several members of Company F found themselves at Ground Zero.

"Ground Zero — that's where started everything at," said Cpl. Ron Singleton of Elkhart, who responded with an Ohio sheriff's department days after the two planes crashed into the World Trade Center Towers on September 11, 2001.

Soldiers say the visit brought their mission in Iraq into focus.

On Thursday, they were back at Fort Dix in formation with their guns in hand. For some, it was their first time.

"I always played Army when I was a little kid," said Spc. Justin Polaski of South Bend. "I turned 18 and actually got the chance to."

Some family and friends made the 12 hour drive from South Bend to be at Thursday's ceremony. They watched as their loved ones were given a yellow banner that will fly above Infantry Park at Fort Dix in New Jersey until the unit returns next year.

"It's scary, I won't deny that," said Rosemary Cowan, who made the trip from South Bend to see her son, Sgt Courtney Gadacz. "I'm doing a lot of praying."

The next few hours after the ceremony were spent saying goodbyes, playing games and, in some cases, eating fast food. But the soldiers said, underneath the smiles, they were focused and ready for their mission.

"It's time to get down to business, and I'm looking forward to it," said Spc. Nicholas Rice of South Bend, who is also being deployed for the first time.

"I think we're more prepared," said Cpl. Singleton, who's on his second deployment. "There was a lot of unknown last time. This time there's a little known. But anything is subject to change at any given time."

Including, as it turned out, their departure from Ft. Dix.

"We thought maybe they were going to leave this evening," Rosemary Cowan said Thursday. "Everything is on hold, so we get to spend more time, which is nice."

But as Thursday night wore on, the soldiers' impatience grew.

"We've been waiting long enough," said Spc. Polaski. "I just kinda want to get out of here. Get outta here and get moving so we can get this on the road."

"Everybody's ready to go. It's time to go, so we're ready," said Cpl. Singleton.

"Every step they take closer to that plane, the reality of what they're getting ready to do gets higher and higher," said Brig. Gen. David Harris.

When they do leave Ft. Dix, Company F's deployment is scheduled to last a little less than a year. They will be providing perimeter and convoy security for other American units.