More than 300 Illinois National Guard soldiers prepare for deployment to Middle East

CHICAGO (WLS) — More than 300 Illinois National Guard soldiers and their families are preparing for deployment to the Middle East on Saturday.

The soldiers took center stage at Wintrust Arena, preparing to mobilize.

“You’re ready. You’re ready. Showtime,” said Major Gen. Rodney Boyd.

The soldiers are being deployed to the Middle East in support of Operation Spartan Shield. Staff Sgt. Adam Raynor, who lives in St. John, Indiana, is among them.

“This will be my first deployment, first one in the books. They got me, so I’m ready to go. They trained us up,” Raynor said.