LANSING, MICH.- Friends and family will gather at three armories on Saturday, Jan. 5., to say goodbye to Michigan Army National Guard Soldiers as they prepare to depart for Fort Hood, Texas, and then to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Thirteen Michigan Army Guard units will mobilize this month for mission specific training at Fort Hood in support of the Global War on Terrorism.

The departures ceremonies are as follows:

§ 10 a.m. at the Cadillac Senior High School (400 Linden St., Cadillac, 49601, 200 feet north of the Cadillac Armory) for approximately 70 Soldiers from Troop A, 1st Squadron, 126th Cavalry.

§ 1 p.m. at the Big Rapids Armory (15900 190th Ave., Big Rapids, 49302) for approximately 30 Soldiers from Company D., 1st Battalion, 125th Regiment.

§ 3 p.m. at the Manistee Armory (555 First St., Manistee, 49660-1569) for approximately 50 Soldiers from Troop B, 1st Squadron, 126th Cavalry The Soldiers are expected to return home in January 2009.

Today, nearly 1,000 Michigan National Guard Soldiers and Airmen are deployed across the globe in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom; however, as the Michigan Guard serves the nation, more than 9,000 members remain, in reserve and ready to respond to state emergencies.

MEDIA ADVISORY:

Media is invited to attend.

(For more information regarding the departure ceremony for Troop A,   1st Squadron, 126th Cavalry, contact Sgt. 1st Class Gabriel Sanger, 231-775-5862 or 231-775-7222.

For information regarding the departure ceremony for Company D, 1st Battalion, 125th Infantry in Big Rapids contact 1st Lt. David Huber,
231-796-6823, 616-836-5075.

For information regarding the departure ceremony for Troop B, 1st Squadron, 126th Cavalry, contact Sgt. 1st Class George Scott,
231-723-7985.