BUTLER COUNTY, Ohio — It was at this moment that it just hit him.

“Because my dad is going away for a year."

• 100 soldiers had to say goodbye to their families this week
• They are being called to duty right before the holidays
• They’re all from the Army’s 324th Military Police Company, based in Middletown

His dad, Sergeant First Class Thomas Benton, is being called to duty.

“I may be a big Army guy in a uniform running around barking orders, but when I get home, they’re my life, this is what I live for, my wife and my kids,” said Benton, of the 324^th Military Police Company.

And for the fourth time, with tears in his eyes, he’s saying goodbye to his wife and four kids right before the holidays.

“It never gets easier, I mean you can go on 4, 10, 20, 12, it never gets easier, any time you have to leave your kids,” said Benton.

For some, still teenagers themselves, it’s the first time being away from their parents at home.

“I have my battles and good team leaders to support me through everything, so it’s gonna be good, it’ll be fun,” said Private First Class Emily Kelly, 324^th Military Police Company.

The soldiers — a part of the one hundred leaving — giving hugs and kisses before they're sent away.

They’re all from the 324th Military Police Company, based in Middletown, and were all honored in a deployment ceremony, for what they’re about to do.

“It’s awesome, we all create a good bond, especially by the end of deployment, we’re like family,” said Corporal Lindsey Mays, 324^th Military Police Company.

All while their families in the crowd stood cheering them on in an emotional farewell before the holidays.