LOUISVILLE — Bill Waller cradled his toddler close to his chest one last time before shipping out to fulfill his duty providing military police protection at an Army post.

        The next time Mr. Waller comes home, the child will be walking.

        A few feet away at a National Guard Armory, David Mudd bid farewell to his pregnant wife. When he next returns, he'll be a father.

        They were part of a 70-member unit from the 198th Military Police Battalion deployed Friday to help secure the homefront during the of fensive against terrorism. The mission at Fort Bragg, N.C., could last up to a year for the Kentucky Army National Guard unit.

        “When duty calls, you have to do what you have to do,” said Master Sgt. William K. Buechele. “That's what we train for.”

        Moments earlier, Master Sgt. Buechele held his wife and their 7-year-old son in a family hug during a prayer that asked for divine protection for the Guardsmen and their families. Someone in the crowd said “Hallelujah.”

        As the Guardsmen loaded onto a bus that took them to the airport, relatives stood in a chilly, pre-dawn rain to wave final goodbyes.

        The unit's commander said the Guardsmen were ready to do their duty.

        “They are professionals,” said Lt. Col. Shaun Scully. “They work hard, and they will do right by the American people.”

        The unit became the third activated from the Kentucky Army National Guard as part of a homeland defense mobilization.

        A 140-member unit based in Harlan also shipped out to Fort Bragg. A 110-member unit from Middlesboro went to Fort Knox. Both units also will provide security at the Army post.

        Kentucky's Guard contributions also extend to the skies.

        On Thursday, three Kentucky Air National Guard C-130 Hercules aircraft departed for an “open-ended” assignment at Fort Hood, Texas, said Brig. Gen. Rick Ash, commander of the Air Guard. Slightly more than 100 Guardsmen were deployed from the 123rd Airlift Wing, he said.

        The unit will offer air transportation and ground support for a rapid-reaction force that is ready to respond to domestic terrorism, Gen. Ash said.

        The timing was inopportune for Danny Thornsberry. The day before the 198th unit was activated, he proposed to his girlfriend, Donna Garrett. The couple had set an Aug. 1 wedding date.

        “He wasn't upset about having to leave and serve his country, but he was upset about having to leave his family,” said his mother, Ruth Ann Thornsberry. “We just hope he is safe and this is over quickly.”

        Ms. Garrett was ready to make the best of the long-distance engagement.

        “I'm going to write him every day and call him every day,” she said.

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