These local soldiers are headed to Afghanistan. You can help with the send-off. - Gainesville Times

By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.

These local soldiers are headed to Afghanistan. You can help with the send-off.

Members of Charlie Company set off on a two-mile run Tuesday Nov. 20, 2018, at the Gainesville high track during early morning physical training. Charlie Company, a Gainesville-based Georgia Army National Guard unit, is about to deploy to Afghanistan, the first time the soldiers have been sent on a mission in nearly a decade. - photo by Scott Rogers

11252018 CHARLIE 2.jpg — Members of Charlie Company set off on a two-mile run Tuesday Nov. 20, 2018, at the Gainesville high track during early morning physical training. Charlie Company, a Gainesville-based Georgia Army National Guard unit, is about to deploy to Afghanistan, the first time the soldiers have been sent on a mission in nearly a decade. - photo by Scott Rogers

For those thinking Afghanistan is off the U.S. radar, Gainesville-based Charlie Company’s commander has a simple message.