KALAMAZOO, Mich. (WILX) - Members of Michigan’s Army National Guard prepared to deploy to the Southwest border during an emotional ceremony on the campus of Western Michigan University Friday.

Dozens of soldiers from across the state gathered for a sendoff ceremony, as they prepare to leave their families for a year and head to Texas to help secure the border.

“We train them in everything from patrolling to troop leading procedures, the basic soldier tasks,” said Lt. Col. Matt Brolsma, 107th Engineer Battalion Commander.

The 1430th Engineering Company, consisting of 120 National Guard soldiers, will deploy in a matter of days. They will take on security duties for U.S. Customs and Border Protection while CBP officers focus on law enforcement-related missions.

“This is a continuance of

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