GROTON, Conn. -- Gov. Jodi Rell and other state leaders attended the sendoff of 150 soldiers from the 1109th Aviation Classification Repair Activity Depot (AvCRAD) deploying to Irag and Kuwait in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom for a second time.

"This is always one of those bittersweet days I want to be here, I want them to know their commander in chief supports them every step of the way," she said.

Father, Son Heading To Iraq

For half of the 150 going overseas this time, they said it's their second tour of duty in the region.

There are a handful, like, Staff Sgt. Richard Walklet, who are going over for a third time. And Walklet’s son, Troy, is going this time as well.

"I told him if he went in and he was deployed, I'd go with him,” said Richard said. “And the colonel offered me the option to go with him, and it's a privilege."

“It's more like I'll be taking lessons from dad,” Troy said. “He'll be more of a mentor for this whole experience, and he'll be able to guide me as we work over there."

"It's something I never really wanted,” said Liz Walklet, Richard’s wife. “I'm very proud of both of them. And I know Richard will look after Troy. So I feel a bit better because of that."

The unit will deploy next week, officials said, and will return in about 10 months.