Starting Friday, thousands of Iowa National Guard members will begin the biggest mobilization since World War II. 2,800 Iowa soldiers will go to Afghanistan.

There are several ceremonies planned across the state to send them off properly. In our area, ceremonies will be held Friday in Mount Pleasant at 10:00 a.m. at the high school.

On Sunday, a ceremony will be held in Davenport at Modern Woodman Park at 10:00 a.m.

On Monday, a send-off event will be held at 2:00 p.m. at the armory in Clinton.

Guard members will first head to Camp Shelby, Mississippi. They are going to Afghanistan to help the Afghan National Army and police units.  In addition, they will assist with humanitarian relief.