LANSING, MICH. - Friends and family will bid farewell to approximately 13 Michigan National Guard Soldiers from Lansing as they depart Saturday for Ft. Polk, Louisiana., and then Afghanistan for a 12 month tour of duty. The Soldiers are assigned to Operational Mentor and Liaison Team (OMLT) 3 formed at Lansing.

The Soldiers share an infantry background and will serve as trainers and advisors for Latvian partners and Afghani troops while overseas. The Michigan National Guard has had a partnership with the Latvian Army since 1992.

The deployment ceremony will be held Saturday, Jan. 2, at 3:00 p.m., at the University Quality Inn, 3121 East Grand River, Lansing, Mich. 48912.

Today, nearly 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 90 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 one hour prior to the ceremony at 1:55 P.M.