CAMP ZAMA, Japan - Soldiers from 35th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion's 623rd Movement Control Team deployed April 1 to the Combat Training Center in Fort Polk, La.

According to Sgt. 1st Class James Dent, 35th CSSB first sergeant, approximately 70 Soldiers departed for this 30-day exercise to gain more knowledge of their jobs and battalion mission.

1st Lt. Joseph Cabalo, executive officer assigned to 623rd MCT, said although this is not a deployment to a combat zone, it is a deployment to a combat training center, which he said is "kind of like a buildup prior to going to deployment."

"So we want to treat this as realistic as we can," said Cabalo.

"I feel it will be a good experience, (I) definitely need the combat experience," said Spc. Kevin Handy, transportation coordinator assigned to 623rd MCT.

Robert Chance, school liaison officer for Child, Youth and School Services, brought students from Zama American Middle School to bid the Soldiers farewell.

"We're here because 35th is the sponsor unit for Zama Middle School," said Chance, "and they come and support our school and help out with any type of events we have."

"To show our support, we want to make sure we come out and wish them well as they travel to their new location," said Chance.

Mario Acevedo-Fuchs, 7th-grader at ZAMS, was with his classmates to wish his father and the rest of the Soldiers a goodbye and safe travels.

"I felt kind of sad because I won't be seeing him in a while so there is always a bit of sadness," said Mario.

Mario said he thinks the best way to deal with a deployment of a family member for kids is by sticking to a daily routine.

"Just try to keep on going like your normal day...it's fine if you feel sad...it's human to feel sad for different things, so try to resume your normal day, said Mario.

"Call them when you can, and they'll be back before you know it," he said.