Frankfort turns out for soldier's sendoff

July 29, 2010 (CHICAGO) (WLS) -- With flags waving and bagpipes playing, U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Nick Ward heads off to Afghanistan.

The surprise sendoff was organized by the Frankfort Fire Department where Ward works as a firefighter.

Staff Sgt. Ward will serve his second deployment as an Air Force firefighter.

"In those tough times when I'm missing home, missing all of you this is what's gonna bring me back to it. Without a doubt, all these faces, all your prayers that we do feel, all your thoughts, it's not just a box in the mail or envelop," said Staff Sgt. Ward.

"You are part of our family, you will always be part of our family and while you're gone your family is our family, so we are there for them also," said Tom Willis, Associated Fire Fighters Of Illinois.

Members of the Frankfort community were joined by firefighters from neighboring areas at the event.

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