TAYLOR, MICH.?Friends and family will bid farewell to approximately 14 Michigan National Guard Soldiers from the Taylor-based 777th Military Police Detachment on Monday (Nov. 16) as they depart for Fort Bliss, Texas, and then Iraq for a 12-month tour of duty.

The Soldiers will train for approximately four weeks at Fort Bliss before they deploy to Iraq. Upon arrival in country they will oversee detainee operations, specifically managing the records and belongings of detainees. The 777th will replace an Army Reserve unit from Terra Haute, Ind.

The deployment ceremony will held Monday, Nov. 16, 11 a.m., at the Michigan Army National Guard Armory, 12450 Beech Daly, Taylor, Mich. 48180.

Today, more than 1,000 Michigan National Guard Soldiers and Airmen are deployed across the globe in support of the global war on terrorism; however, as the Michigan Guard serves the nation abroad, more than 85 percent of the force is available, trained and ready to respond to a state emergency including a terrorist event.

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MEDIA ADVISORY:
Media is invited to attend the departure ceremony. Soldiers and family members will be available for interviews approximately one hour prior to the ceremony.