More National Guard soldiers from Austin and San Antonio shipped off for a tour in Iraq over the weekend. As sad as their departure is, I still think it’s healthy, to some degree, that our true citizen soldiers — those who are civilians most of the time and soldiers part of the time — be called to duty, as it forces those far removed from the military community and military towns to recognize the service and sacrifice of our troops.

I do feel for the families who are losing their loved ones for a year or more (and I mourn for those who may lose beloveds forever), but I hope that their sacrifice will result in a better understanding of the true costs of war for the wider community.

. . . Camp Mabry said goodbye to . . . about 400 other Texas National Guardsmen who are heading for Iraq — a deployment of soldiers mainly from Austin and San Antonio, of people who spend most of their days fighting fires, building houses, crafting glasses, chasing criminals, cooking meals and prosecuting offenders, among other trades.

. . .

Since the war began more than four years ago, 3,505 U.S. troops have been killed. About 2,500 Texas National Guardsmen are serving in Iraq. [Master Sgt. Gregg] Herdlitchka’s unit will serve in southern Iraq, escorting convoys and working in a prison.

These troops will be performing some of the most dangerous duty in Iraq: convoy escort. If you’re one to pray, please keep them in your prayers. Godspeed to them.