40 Army reservists from Cedar Rapids unit deploying to Afghanistan

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa - Part of a logistical support unit based in Cedar Rapids will soon be heading to Afghanistan.

About 40 members of the 649th Regional Support Group will deploy as part of Operation Enduring Freedom later this month, the 103rd Sustainment Command, which oversees the 649th group, said in a news release.

Several other units from the 103rd are also part of the deployment, but the 649th is the only unit from Iowa, Maj. William Geddes said. The 103rd, based in Des Moines, also oversees units in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois and Michigan.

The 40 Iowans represent a fraction of the total number of members that make up the 649th and will be deployed for approximately one year, according to Geddes. The unit previously deployed to Afghanistan a little more than six years ago, leaving town in July 2009 and returning in August 2010, according to TV9 archives. While overseas, the 649th will be responsible for managing facilities and providing logistical and administrative support to soldiers at forward operating base. Specific duties include making lodging assignments, managing repairs and coordinating between other military units and private contractors. Geddes compared the unit's duties to that of what a mayor and staff do to maintain a small town.

The 649th will hold a one-hour farewell ceremony at the armed forces Reserve Center, 1500 Wright Brothers Blvd. SW, on Sunday, November 15 starting at 9 a.m.