SACO — Local Army reservists got a grand send-off Wednesday ”“ and a promise from the governor that their families will have support while they are away.

The 45 members of Detachment 1, 94th Military Police unit are deploying soon to spend one year to Iraq, where they will conduct security operations and mentor the Iraqi police units.

Gov. John Baldacci said Wednesday morning, during a send-off ceremony at the U.S. Army Reserve Center, that he wants the soldiers to know “the state stands as one in support” of them and their families.

“You are protecting our liberties and freedoms so that we can do what we do back here,” said Baldacci. He said it is the state’s responsibility, while they are “fighting that fight” to make sure that their families and support networks have the resources they need back home.

He told families not to be the “rugged, independent, ”˜I’m not going to ask for any help’ Mainer type,” and to reach out if they need support.

He told the soldiers that they are leaders and ambassadors for the state.

“Frankly, you’re the best at what you do and we are very proud of you,” he said.

American Legion Post 96 Commander Jim Harper read a letter from Representative Chellie Pingree, thanking the members of the military police unit for their service: “Your selfless sacrifice on behalf of us all is what makes America the beacon of freedom it has been for over 200 years,” she wrote.

Pingree, in her letter, told families to the use family assistance programs or contact her office for assistance.

“These next several months will be hard for you, but I want you to know that we are here for you if you need us,” she wrote.

Major General John Libby quoted Maine’s Civil War hero, Gen. Joshua Chamberlain, who said, “We are an army out to set other men free.” He said that mission has not changed.

“We remain an army out to set other men free,” he said.

Libby said that Baldacci “nailed it” in his description of Mainers.

“We are a very stubborn people in Maine,” he said.

He said his grandfather used to say that this stubbornness is “both a blessing and a curse.”

“Don’t let it be a curse when you need support during this deployment,” he said. “We have an embarrassment of riches that have been given to us by the Congress to support our families.”

 He said he did not want any families to go without needed assistance.

“If you need help going to the doctor, mowing the grass, shoveling snow, someone to talk to, anything, contact your local veterans organization, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Amvets,” Harper said. “If necessary, contact me, and I’ll get someone to help you.”

First Lieutenant Eric Giles, of the 94th police unit, said it was truly wonderful to see that the soldiers’ families had this support.

For some members of the unit, this won’t be their first deployment.

In 2003, the unit deployed to Iraq in Anbar Province, receiving the Valorous Unit Award against Al-Qaeda and insurgent forces.

Giles said he was proud of the unit, which he said has done “historic” work, as they were some of the first soldiers in Iraq and they will be some of the last.

Specialist David Aston, 19, of Bangor said it was good to know that the troops and their families were so well supported. Aston has been in the Army Reserves for two years, and this will be his first deployment. His girlfriend, Amanda Hamm, also of Bangor, attended the send-off. The two said the separation will be difficult, but they will remain in contact by Internet resources such as Skype and Facebook and by phone.

— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 282-1535, Ext. 325 or egotthelf@journaltribune.com.