BANGOR (AP) – A farewell ceremony will be held today for volunteers from an Army Reserve unit who will be headed for Iraq.

An unspecified number of soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 304th Regiment, based in Bangor, were selected for overseas deployment because they are qualified Army trainers and drill sergeants whose mission is to conduct basic combat training.

“This will be an opportunity for them to apply the training the Army has given them and make a difference in Iraq. I am confident our mission will be successful and that all of our soldiers will return safely,” said Maj. John Curwen, the battalion commander.

The farewell ceremony will be held at the Armed Forces Reserve Center in Bangor.