It will be his second deployment. His first lasted 13 months.

"He's on the motor pool. But he's also the gunner for the commander, so when the commander leaves the base, he's up in the turret."

"That's not real comforting to Mom and Dad, but he knows what he's doing."

The Kelly's communicate on Skype or through occasional phone calls, while he is away.

In the meantime, Major Kelly will have his hands full, with two grandchildren - ages one and three.

"They'll miss Daddy, but we'll have a good time with them while he's gone."