Tears and hearty handshakes were the theme Saturday morning as 24 soldiers left Vicksburg to embark on an 18-month tour of duty in Iraq.

Friends and family members attended a mobilization ceremony for the 412th Engineer Command at the Morris Army Reserve on Porters Chapel Road.

Maj. Kenneth Hoskins of Hollandale, who has been in the military for 21 years, had little to say as he hugged his family goodbye.

His wife, Amye, and his sister, Katie Jones, did the talking.

&#8220I think it’s time for this to be over, but I understand that it’s his job,” Jones said.

&#8220I’m proud that he is committed to serving his country,” Amye Hoskins said. &#8220I just hate to see him leave.”

The 412th is part of the U.S. Army Reserve and has members from Mississippi, Georgia, Louisiana, Texas, Tennessee, Hawaii and New Mexico. The unit is headquartered in Vicksburg. It is one of two Engineer Command units in the United States.

Maj. Gen. Robert J. Williamson, Commander of the 412th Engineer Command, lead Saturday’s mobilization ceremony. He said the soldiers will be helping rebuild communities in Iraq.

&#8220We’re supporting Iraqi freedom with engineering skills,” Williamson said. &#8220We have soldiers from all professions, so our people are skilled in all different areas. We have nurses, construction workers, postal workers, as well as engineers.”

The 412th will train in Texas before being deployed to Iraq. The soldiers’ exact date of deployment is not known, Williamson said.

Family members drove from all over Mississippi and as far away as Texas to support their loved ones at Saturday’s ceremony.

&#8220All we can do is stay prayerful,” said Jeanette McClinton, mother of Staff Sgt. Jessica Harvey. &#8220We are a family with a lot of faith.

&#8220This is what Jess decided to do, so we’re going to support her. We are going to be there for her. I know that God will take care of her,” she said.

The 412th received notice of deployment in August 2005.

That same month, 31 other members of the unit were deployed to Iraq. Saturday’s ceremony marked the fifth mobilization of the unit since the War on Terrorism began.