WESTFIELD, Ind. (AP) — Nearly 140 members of an Indiana National Guard unit are preparing to leave for a yearlong deployment to Kuwait.

Hundreds of family members and friends joined the soldiers from the Kokomo-based 38th Sustainment Brigade for a departure ceremony Sunday at Westfield High School.

Officials say it is the first Indiana Guard unit deployed with women in the top officer and enlisted positions.

Brigade commander Col. Deedra Thombleson tells The Indianapolis Star that it is good for women coming up the military ranks to see doors opening for them.

Command Sgt. Maj. Karolyn Peeler tells WTHR-TV that the unit is going to lead by example and make Indiana proud during its deployment.

Posted 8/27/2012