The 88 members of Company D, 2nd Battalion, 135th Infantry will leave tomorrow for training before shipping overseas to Afghanistan, leaving behind all that’s familiar to provide a safe and secure environment for troops fighting there.

That the National Guard Armory in Albert Lea was packed to standing room only during a send-off Sunday afternoon should be an indication to them how much this community appreciates their willingness to serve their country. They will serve approximately 18 months, leaving behind family, pregnant wives, children and friends.

Just as their duty will continue for more than a year, our duty to their families should continue beyond the send-off, beyond the first couple months. As time moves on, these families &045; especially those young mothers &045; are going to need our help.

First Lady Mary Pawlenty talked about the military &uot;Family Care&uot; initiative she developed. Community groups willing to help families in our area while their husbands are serving in a foreign country are asked to register online. The database can be accessed by families needing assistance with such services as childcare, meal preparation and lawn mowing, among the many things they may find they need help with over the course of 18 months.

While Sunday’s send-off was heart-touching for those soldiers, let’s show our support for them in the long haul by being available to help their families whenever and however possible. That would be a meaningful way to say thank you.