Farewells in Frankfort as Kentucky National Guard soldiers deploy overseas

Families say goodbye as medevac unit heads to Kosovo for 9-month mission

FRANKFORT, Ky. (ABC 36 NEWS NOW) —Kentucky National Guard soldiers said goodbye to family and friends in Frankfort as they prepare to deploy overseas for a vital mission.

A hangar at the National Guard Center was filled with family and friends as soldiers said goodbye to loved ones before deployment.

Captain Corey Oney, who commands the unit, reflected on the importance of the day.

“We’ve had a year and a half to two years to prepare for this. It’s just taking every moment to make sure that you show that love, and that they give you the support you need while you’re gone, while you’re away from them,” Captain Oney said.

The Kentucky National Guard says the unit will provide aeromedical evacuation, and while they’ll be serving overseas, they’ll first head to Texas in the coming days for final training before continuing to Europe.

Capt. Oney acknowledged the bittersweet nature of deployment ceremonies.

“As cruel and as sweet as they may seem at the same time, with having to say goodbye to your family to go do the mission, it is very special for them to see how important and the support that we have behind us,” Said Capt. Oney.

Officials say this mission will take the soldiers to Southeast Europe for nine months.

“9 months may seem like a long time but when you’re actually out there doing your mission, it will come and go,” Oney added. “It’ll come and go quick.”

Capt. Oney says while deployments are rare, there’s a sense of excitement that this Kentucky unit was chosen for the task.