[Dubya]

Sgt. Jeremy Willoughby and his son Keegan, 16 months, make their last moments memorable Thursday before the father prepares to leave Miramar for Iraq with about 300 other Marines and sailors. About 25,000 local troops are heading to Iraq in the next few weeks

WALDO NILO Staff Photographer

[Dubya]

I hope he makes it back to be with that son.

[Rummyfan]

Kelley Nicholson of Yuma, Ariz., was for the most part stoic about the departure of her husband, Harrier jet pilot Capt. Chris Nicholson, who will miss the birth of his second child due in June.

"It's a tough day," she said. "It's never easy."

The Nicholsons' son, 2 1/2-year-old Vickery, wore a shirt that read "My dad ... One of the few, the proud, the Marines." He said he "was going to take care of my Mommy and the baby."

God Bless these Marines and their families.

[Cindy]

Prayers daily for the troops and their families.

[Brad’s Gramma]

Please Lord, take care of these families...

[oldplayer]

Godspeed to Sgt Willoughby and young Keegan. May they meet and laugh again soon.

Great pic!

Oldplayer