Spc. Eddie Cunningham wore dark sunglasses, but they didn't hide all the tears in his eyes.

Cunningham was one of 35 soldiers in the Nebraska Army National Guard's 209th Regional Training Regiment who said goodbye to friends and family Sunday afternoon at a ceremony in the Lincoln Northeast High School auditorium.

After the ceremony, the troops left for Afghanistan, where they will spend a year training that country's army.

About 25 Nebraska National Guard troops are already in Afghanistan, said Capt. Kevin Hynes, spokesman for the Nebraska National Guard. Those 25 have served about a month of a yearlong tour of duty.

"I'm just ready to do my job," said Cunningham, of Falls City, "so the Afghanis can run their country, stand on their own feet."

Roy Bivans, Cunningham's brother, said he was proud to have a family member serve overseas.

"We know he's a good man," Bivans said. "It makes you feel secure."

Maj. Dave Wunibald of Lincoln said it was hard to leave his  wife and five children, but he was proud to help a developing nation.

"That's the hard part, the family separation," Wunibald said.

"A lot of the hardship is borne by those who stay home."

Wunibald's oldest child, Reid Wunibald, 15, said he would miss his dad.

"It's kind of a depressing time," Reid said. "There's a lot of emotion."

Grant Wunibald, 12, agreed.

"When it's just us guys, we have a lot of fun," Grant said. "I just hope he comes back safe."

Reid and Grant both said they were proud that their dad volunteered to serve.

So did Gov. Dave Heineman, who spoke at Sunday's ceremony.

"On behalf of the state of Nebraska, we are very proud of you," Heineman said. "The 209th is going on a very important mission."

Mayor Coleen Seng also thanked the soldiers, calling them "heroes."

Ed Bivans, Cunningham's father, was confident his son would do a good job and come home safely.

"He comes from good stock," Bivans said. "He knows his job. He'll be fine."

Reach Josh Swartzlander at 473-7120 or jswartzlander@journalstar.com.