You know they have to leave, but you hate to see them go.

While the gleaming image of a sexy Marine waving goodbye as he departs for his next mission is utterly patriotic, it can be devastating for those who know him as a loved one.

As troops get deployed by the thousands in aid of the war effort, still thousands more stand heartbroken as their loved one courageously heads off to the vast terrain of the Iraqi battleground.

Much attention lies on the focus of our soldiers, but very little has been attributed to the welfare of those who are left behind to wonder about them – until now.

Beginning at 5 p.m. today at the University Resources for Women, a support group will be held for anyone who has a friend or family member deployed or standing by for deployment.

The support group will provide refuge for those who feel burdened by the uncertainty of wartime.

“We’re hoping to provide a supportive network so people who understand what it’s like to be sitting there waiting can come together,” said Diane Pospisil-Kinney, a counselor at Counseling and Student Development Center.

The network also will provide much needed communication resources for support-seekers because of the limited access to available information in the area.

“We’re not in a military town, so finding people that know the struggle you’re going through can be hard,” Pospisil-Kinney said. “We’ll give them information about where they can access how to get in touch with their person’s unit.”

The organizers feel the need to make sure non-family members can obtain the information they desire.

We’re trying to help friends as well because there’s such an emphasis on just helping the family members, Pospisil-Kinney said.

The center will continue the support meetings every Tuesday at the same time and location.

Three offices contributed to organizing the support group: the counseling center, University Resources for Women and Employee Wellness.