Monday, Jan. 28, approximately 100 soldiers of an Ottumwa-based Iowa Army National Guard unit were mobilized for active duty in Afghanistan.

The 833rd Engineer Company, formerly known as Company B, 224th Engineer Battalion, was sent off during a special ceremony held at the Hellyer Student Life Center on the Indian Hills Community College campus in Ottumwa. At least one member of the company is from Jasper County.

After reporting to Fort Bliss, Texas, for additional training, the 833rd will report to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Its mission is among the most dangerous in the ongoing mission in the Middle East.