In just a matter of weeks, Mississippi's largest Army National Guard brigade will be deployed. The 155th Combat Brigade is a part of many communities.

With the stroke of a pen Tuesday, government officials in Clarke County pledged community support, not only for troops who are set to be deployed, but for their families as well.

This is one of a number of 'Community Covenant' signings taking place in areas throughout the state where units with the 155th Brigade are based.

"It's a reinforcement of what the community does for us while our soldiers are gone, while we're gone," said Sgt. Major Steve Denmark.

Although the signing is largely symbolic, unit leaders say the need for continued community support is very real.

"During the last deployment, two soldiers from Clarke County were killed in the line of duty, Sergeant Shane Pugh, who was from Stonewall, and Specialist Robert McNail, who was a member of this unit based in Quitman.

In honor of them and the other men and women who have been and are preparing to be deployed, local government officials say honoring the covenant signed is the least they can do.

"Any time you lose your own people, people say it can't happen in your town but it happens everywhere," said Cleveland "Baba" Peebles of the Clarke County Board of Supervisors. "So, we've got to do what we can to show support for them. That's all of us, especially for the families."

"They're giving up their time to support us, and by golly, we have time to support them and give them our prayers because we do respect their efforts," said Mayor Eddie Fulton of Quitman.

Once again the 3,300 members of the 155th are preparing to be deployed to Iraq. Set to leave around the first of May, for many, this will not be their first deployment.

As with the last deployment, Brigade officials say this time members of the group will once again work roadside combat missions.

Tuesday afternoon, a 'Community Covenant' was signed at the National Guard Armory in Meridian.

Members of the 155th stood at attention for a formal, outdoor ceremony.

Covenant will also be signed later this week at City Park in Union and at the Newton County Courthouse in Decatur.

"It shows this unit the support behind us, as it has in the past," said Denmark. "This unit has been deployed already one time before. You know there's great support in the community and in the county. There's a lot of the soldiers that are in this unit that are from Lauderdale County."

The 155th served with distinction in its first deployment, earning 123 Purple hearts, 328 Bronze Stars, a Silver Star, and 2,000 combat badges.