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Maj. Julie Bridges hugs her daughter, Celeste, as they said goodbye.

Approximately 400 to 500 Fort Bliss soldiers have been deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.

On Sunday, soldiers said their goodbyes to their loved ones.

Its still emotional, said Maj. Julie Bridges.

She said she was fortunate to be able to spend quality time with her two kids and husband before the deployment.

Her 11-year-old daughter, Celeste, had a hard time holding back tears.

"Sad, she said. She's been my whole life and I don't want her to leave."

This is Bridges third deployment.

Her first deployment happened when Celeste was only four months old.

"I've been to Iraq once before, went to Afghanistan a few years ago, and now I'm back to Iraq, she said.

She told KFOX14 that she continues to keep her mission in mind.

"We're trained. We're ready. We want to go out there and do our jobs and come back safely, Bridges said.

With bags packed and last minute hugs, family members are hit with reality.

"Starting sixth grade is going to be hard, it's going to be a hard year, Celeste said, with tears in her eyes.

"It's going to be alright, I'll be home before you know it, said Bridges, while comforting her daughter.

Their deployment is expected to last nine months.

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Around 500 Fort Bliss soldiers deploy to Iraq - KFOX El Paso