Although the 124 members of a local National Guard unit are technically on active duty, they'll be spending Christmas with their families.

The 107th Field Artillery's Firing Battery A, Hermitage, will leave for Fort Dix, N.J., on Dec. 29, said Capt. Cory Angell, public affairs officer for the Pennsylvania National Guard.

In the interim, the soldiers have been given physicals and vaccinations, and readying personal equipment they will be taking with them.

"They're getting prepared," said Capt. Robert Palumbo, battery commander. "It's a little bit short notice."

The unit has been told to expect an 18-month activation, with 12 months of it to be spent in Iraq.

Morale is good among the troops. Palumbo said.