Jason Larocque hugs his mother, Nancy just before Friday's ceremony for Vermont Guard troops deploying to Afghanistan.
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Vermont National Guard soldiers were bid farewell by friends and family Friday at the Essex Fairgrounds during one of three ceremonies for Vermont troops deploying to Afghanistan this winter. Dignitaries on hand for the event included Governor Douglas and Lt. Gov. Dubie, as well as General Michael Dubie, leader of the Vt. National Guard, Admiral Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Vermont's congretional delegates, Peter Welch, Patrick Leahy, and a representative from Bernie Sanders. Overall, about 1500 Vermonters will deploy to Afghanistan, 25 are from the White River Valley. (Herald / Tim Calabro)