Oklahoma soldiers to deploy to Afghanistan, South America deployment delayed

MUSKOGEE, Okla. - One-hundred and fifty Oklahoma soldiers are preparing to head to Afghanistan, while deployment of 50 soldiers to South America has been delayed.

Soldiers from the 1220th Engineering Company in Muskogee will deploy to Afghanistan in March.  The soldiers will be demolishing some of our bases there.

"I signed up for the National Guard knowing that I was going to get deployed at some point in time. I'm a Combat Medic and I would really like to go over there and help people get back home." Specialist Keenin Marcotte said.

The Oklahoma National Guard says the soldiers will be mobilized for one year and will be in Afghanistan for nine months.

Meanwhile, officials at Fort Sill say the deployment of 50 soldiers who are preparing for an assignment in South America has been delayed.

Base spokesman Keith Pannell says Friday's planned deployment of the soldiers with 3rd Battalion, 13rd Field Artillery will be rescheduled. No reason for the delay was given.

Pannell says the soldiers will be providing security on a Navy hospital ship in addition to humanitarian aid and assisting both visitors and patients on the ship.

The soldiers are to go first from the base at Lawton to Norfolk, Virginia, for training with the Navy before they leave for South America.