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MCENTIRE JOINT NATIONAL GUARD BASE, SC -- It was a bittersweet Easter Sunday for family and friends of the 169th Fighter Wing.

The squadron of almost 500 Pilots, Maintenance Specialists, and Support Staff, along with more than a dozen F-16 fighter jets left for Afghanistan to help with Operation Enduring Freedom. But not before one final sendoff.

Master Sergeant Joseph Szoke comes from a military family. He said it is the least he can do for his country.

"My father was in the army. I grew up loving the military. I talk to the young kids all the time and tell them what a great deal it is."

This is Szoke's ninth tour of duty. The squadron will be overseas for the next four months. While his family is used to saying goodbye, he knows he is missing his children grow up.

"You only get so many summers with your kids. This will be my second full summer away from the kids. That is the hardest part.

Sunday's deployment is the largest for the squadron since Operation Desert Storm. The deployment will focus on providing air support to ground forces.

Szoke's wife Celyn said the responsibility on the home front is hers now; and that is never easy.

"You are used to somebody being there with you 24/7. Just missing that extra person to talk to. When you are around children, that is fine. But you miss your adult companion."

Although a bit reluctant to let her husband go, Mrs.. Szoke is okay with the fact that his tour began on Easter Sunday.

"Only two people have ever volunteered to die for us. That is Jesus and the American soldiers. So thank heaven for both of them. And I am proud of what he does."