Lansing, Mich. ? Following a 12-month tour of duty in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, approximately 128 Michigan Army National Guard Soldiers from the 1463rd Transportation Company, based in Wyoming and Sturgis, Mich., are scheduled to arrive for a homecoming ceremony at the Grand Valley Armory, Wyoming, Mich., at 8:30 p.m. (Time subject to change) The unit departed Michigan in June 2008 for eight weeks of mission specific training at Fort Bliss, Texas. They arrived in Iraq in August 2008.

While in Iraq, the Soldiers were stationed at Camp Bucca where they were responsible for the oversight of Iraqi persons of interest, educating them with life and employment skills and ensuring their safety and well being.

The unit processed approximately 10,000 detainees throughout the deployment and had a hand in the education of nearly half of those processed. The Soldiers received many awards including four Bronze Star Medals, seven Meritorious Service Medals, more than 100 Army Commendation Medals, and numerous other awards.

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 arrival ceremony expected to begin at 8:30 p.m. at the Grand Valley Armory, 1200 44th Street SW, Wyoming, Mich., 49509. Please note the time is subject to change.