LANSING, MICH. - Approximately 165 Michigan Army National Guard Soldiers from the 46th Military Police Company based in Cheboygan, Mich., will be honored Saturday, March 1 with a "Freedom Salute Campaign" in recognition of their 14-month deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom."

The Freedom Salute ceremony honors the families, employers, and other "centers of influence" of each Guard member. Each Soldier will receive an encased American flag, lapel insignia, commemorative coin, and a certificate of appreciation. Soldiers on their second OIF deployment will receive a Freedom ring and their spouse will receive a clock in recognition of their service. The remaining spouses will receive a commemorative lapel pin. Employers and other centers of influence will receive a medallion.

The 46th Military Police Company mobilized to Fort Dix, N.J., July 2006 and deployed to Iraq in October. Their mission was to train Iraqi police and security forces to conduct independent operations.

Capt. Ken Middaugh, 46th company commander said "Our Soldiers helped change the mindset of the Iraqi police. When we first arrived, the Iraqi police would sit around the station and wait for a call to come in. Now, through our efforts, they understand the importance of proactive community policing and their perception in the eyes of the Iraqi people is beginning to change."

Three of the 46th Soldiers died while in support of OIF. Sgt. 1st Class James Priestap of Hardwood, Mich., died Nov. 23, 2006 when he came in contact with enemy forces. Spc. Brandon Stout, of Kent City, Mich., suffered fatal injuries when his vehicle was struck by an explosive foreign projectile on Jan. 23, 2007. Sgt. Thomas Wright of Holly, Mich., died May 14, 2007, from a heart aneurism.

Today, approximately 1,700 Michigan National Guard Soldiers and Airmen are deployed across the globe at locations such as Iraq, Kuwait, Afghanistan, Kosovo, and the Arizona, New Mexico and Texas borders. Since Sept. 11, 2001, approximately 85 percent of the Michigan Guard has deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom; however, as Michigan troops serve the nation, more than 80 percent of the Michigan Guard remains available and ready to respond to a state emergency including a terrorist event.

MEDIA ADVISORY

Media is invited to attend the ceremony scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. March 1 at the Cheboygan Armory, 610 Cuyler St., Cheboygan, Mich., 49721-0409

(For more information, contact 1st Lt. James Blocker at 269-317-1993 or Staff Sgt. Andrea Spalding at 734-946-2510, or Master Sgt. Denice Rankin, 517-896-0859.