Twenty-two members of the Nebraska Air National Guard will deploy this weekend, as they prepare to head to the Middle East to provide security.

Staff Sergeant Lindsey Yardley is no stranger to deployment.

Just two years ago, she and several other members of the Nebraska Air National Guard were deployed to Kirkustan.

Now, Yardley is preparing to deploy again, as she and 22 other members of the 155th Security Forces Squadron head to the Middle East.

"The stuff I was trained to do, is the stuff I'm going to be doing," said Yardley.

To prepare members for the deployment, they are taking part in the federally-mandated Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program, one that offers everyone the information and support they need.

"Getting the families involved is absolutely critical, because it's often said, but needs to be fully understood, that the family is just as important as the member to us," said Col. Rick Evans, Commander.

"Everything is just not knowing, and that was probably the hardest thing, not being able to have a little control," said Mona Spratlen, Yardley's mother. "Having more information is always better. When you're in the dark, I think it causes more stress."

"It's really important for especially first-timers to go to this, and to understand exactly what they have available, and the resources they have available to them," said Yardley.

Especially for members like Senior Airman Katie Paden, who is heading overseas for the first time.

"It's nerve-wracking. You hear a lot of stories, and you really can't judge how it's going to be until you get there. There's lots of stories, and we've been there for quite a while, so you can only go off what you hear," said Paden.

With programs on medical readiness, youth, children and families, and ways to keep in touch, it is easier for parents like Yardley's to remember why the send-off isn't so bad.

"Words can't describe what she does, and how much we appreciate and how proud we are of her. It's pretty amazing," said Spratlen.

The group will train for about two to three weeks before their deployment to the Middle East.

They are expected to be gone for about six months.