Ga. National Guard troops heading to Afghanistan; some from NE Ga. included

MACON, Ga. (AP) -- Georgia Army National Guard officials say they're preparing to deploy more than 200 soldiers to Afghanistan, some of them from Northeast Georgia.

Officials say the Macon-based 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team is being sent to Afghanistan and will participate in a departure ceremony Sunday. Officials say soldiers will help with training and security missions as part of Operation Enduring Freedom.

National Guard officials say members of the brigade will help manage the Kabul Base Cluster, perform route security to and from camps, and do civil affairs work in areas where troops work and live.

The soldiers from Northeast Georgia who are deploying include one each from Cleveland, Dahlonega, Gainesville, Murrayville, Oakwood, Sugar Hill, Suwanee and Winder; two from Flowery Branch; and three from Cumming.

Officials say the ceremony is being hosted at the Macon Marriott City Center. Organizers say the troops' buses will be led from the ceremony by the Georgia State Patrol and the Patriot Riders.