AUBURN, Wash. -- Thousands of Washington National Guard troops and their families faced an emotional and difficult day on Tuesday as the troops prepared to head to Iraq, many for their first time.

An informal ceremony was held to mark their departure. It was a family event for which the soldiers didn't have to wear their uniforms. The event was casual, but not carefree.

"I'm a little nervous, but i try and think maybe some good happens," said Crystal Austin, who is headed to the war zone for the first time.

Austins, a weapons specialist, fixes guns. She said it's hard to know what to expect.

"I'm taking a couple of my stuffed animals with me to keep me calm," she said.

But not all are going to the war zone for the firs time. David Scott is going to Iraq for his seventh tour.

"I'm just ready to get there, get it started and start counting down the days to get home, get back to my life," he said.

A formal deployment ceremony was also held in Everett. Rows of troops in uniform, veterans and first-timers stood together in a park. Soon they'll stand together in combat with different perspectives but same devotion to their dangerous jobs.