"While you're over there, you're going to be part of something bigger than yourselves,” a senior officer says to the 652nd Engineering Company of the Army Reserves as they stand in formation Sunday morning.

"The responsibilities you have as a soldier and representing your country, and that's the important thing for the younger soldiers to really understand and know,” says Sgt. 1st Class Robert Rutter.

Rutter is getting ready for his second tour of duty in Iraq with the Army Reserves. He says part of his duties have been helping the first timers in his unit prepare to leave.

"We spend a lot of time talking to them and helping them to overcome any issues they've got with their families,” says Rutter.

Soldiers like Rick Puente, who just a few days ago, popped the question to his girlfriend Lindsay Stohr.

"I haven't cried for the last three days but I know it's a good thing. I can wait,” says Stohr.

While she says it's sad to say goodbye so soon, she understands the mission.

"I'm in the Army too, so I'm just really, really, really proud of him because he volunteered to go,” says Stohr. “I am able to understand what he's going through so I can't get mad at him when he's like we might be coming home next month, we might not."

For some in Ellsworth, the tragic wounds of the first deployment in 2003 are still fresh in their memories. Four soldiers were killed in action, the most out of any reserve or guard unit in Wisconsin.

"Return with honor. Keep that in your minds always,” says a commander.

However, the soldiers and their families say they're staying strong, and focusing on the task ahead of them.

“The Army is an adventure and it's a commitment that American soldiers make, and there are always difficulties that arise but there's always positives that come out of it, too,” says Rutter.

“Hooo-ah!” shout the soldiers in formation.

The soldiers of the 652nd Engineering Company will train for awhile at Fort McCoy before heading overseas.