The Ohio Army National Guard brigade based in Springfield said goodbyes Sunday to family and friends at a ceremony at Wittenberg University before leaving on the yearlong deployment.

The soldiers of the 371st Sustainment Brigade are expected to leave Fort Hood in June to manage the supply chain of goods coming in and out of Kuwait in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Brigade commander, Col. Gregory Robinette, said after the ceremony that about half of members of the brigade are being deployed for the first time. It’s the second deployment for about 54 members, with 44 having been deployed three or more times.

Pfc. Seth Micheal Soulsby of Mogadore, Ohio, and Pvt. Christopher Micheal Sroka of Findlay, Ohio, died early Friday morning.

Killeen police spokeswoman Carroll Smith said yesterday that investigators have not determined the fire’s cause.

The 19 -year-old Soulsby entered the military in June 2011 as an infantryman. He was assigned to Troop G, 2nd Squadron, 3rd Cavalry Regiment at Fort Hood since December.

The 21-year-old Sroka entered the military in February as a wheeled vehicle mechanic. He was assigned to Company B, 115th Brigade Support Battalion, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division at Fort Hood since August. Both had received military awards.