Freeport-based members of the Illinois Army National Guard to deploy to Alaska

FREEPORT, Ill. (WTVO) — Freeport-based members of the Illinois Army National Guard are being sent off in style as they prepare to deploy to Alaska on September 19th.

Family and friends were at the mobilization ceremony this afternoon along with Governor JB Pritzker.

The 62 members of the 333rd military police company will be stationed at Fort Greely. That's about 80 miles Southeast of Fairbanks.

The soldiers will help protect the missile defense complex. The company's commander said the ceremony sends an important message about to deploy.

"It's humbling for myself as a leader. And it was a great turnout and I think having them here shows the soldiers that there's a lot of support behind them," said 333rd Police Company Lt. Christian Grego. "So, if they ever feel like the challenges they are facing in Alaska might be too tough for them, I think relying back on their families and the friends they've made so far, will get them through that."

This is the first Illinois Army National Guard company to be deployed to Alaska. They will be there for nine months.