OHIO — Parades, fireworks, hot dogs and all things red, white, and blue are what we usually think about on the Fourth of July.

However, it’s important to remember on Independence Day that service members are constantly answering the nation’s call to serve overseas.

Families in Ohio, like many across the country, are preparing for deployment.

In a crowded gym at Piqua High School, 160 members of the Ohio Army National Guard’s 1487th Transportation Company were getting ready. 

They’ll be deploying in support of Operation Spartan Shield for a nearly year-long mission.

Recent Kent State graduate, SPC Zachary Walker, studied music performance.

This will certainly be a different mission, but it’s one he said he’s ready for.

“I’m excited," he said. "We’ve been training for a long time for this, and I feel like I know everybody here very well, and we’re all excited to go overseas."

The unit will provide transportation assets throughout U.S. Central Command’s area of responsibility. 

This can include the Middle East, North Africa, Central Asia and parts of South Asia.

“All we do is try to train, make sure that we are ready mentally, physically, and I believe that my unit has prepared me and given me all the resources that I may need,” said SPC Connor Clark.

“I went to Ohio State, and I wanted to serve and have a greater purpose and still be able to stay at home. So second deployment now, I feel like I’m getting to go through with my wishes to join,” said Sgt. Clayton Noggle.  

“I’m pretty excited. We’ve been talking about it for a long time, finally actually able to go do it,” said Sgt. Dillon Comer.

Loved ones at home will do their best to pass the time and stay positive. 

“Work will keep me busy. I have friends and family, and we’ll do sleepovers and do whatever,” said spouse Madelyne Comer.

“I’m worried as a parent, but I’m also very confident in him. Zach is a quiet leader,” said mother Mary Kay Walker.

“Struggling a lot, but at the end of the day, I’m excited if he’s excited. Like he said, it’s what he signed up to do,” said spouse Mickeli Noggle.

With current tensions overseas, while service members are ready to answer the call, it’s not always easy for the people holding together the fort at home.

“Especially in today’s circumstances, you can’t help but think about the people that are serving our country,” said Mary Kay Walker. 

While families still have a little bit of of time to get in their goodbyes, sharing the moment of the ceremony over the Fourth of July holiday weekend means something bigger and special.

“It’s hard to think about, but I am glad that they did give them the few extra days he is home for the Fourth,” said Mickeli Noggle.

“There’s a lot of perks and benefits that come with serving in the military, but it comes with a cost. So you always have to have that in the back of your mind and be prepared that that call could come at any time whether that be here in the state of Ohio or overseas,” said Mary Kay Walker.

“I think it’s a great holiday to leave off on. Remember where we came from, remember where we’re at now,” said Comer.