LANSING, MICH.- Family and friends will gather at four locations across Michigan Monday, Jan. 7, to say goodbye to Michigan Army National Guard Soldiers as they prepare to depart for Fort Hood, Texas, for mission specific training and then to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Thirteen Michigan Army Guard units will mobilize this month in support of the Global War on Terrorism.

Departure ceremonies on Monday are as follows:

§ 4 p.m. at the Flint Armory (1101 Ceasar Chavez, Flint, 48503) for approximately 170 Soldiers from Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 125th Infantry Regiment.

§ 5:30 p.m. at the Bay City Armory (2510 Wilder Rd., Bay City, 48706) for approximately 80 Soldiers from Company F, 237th Forward Support Battalion.

§ 7 p.m. at the Detroit Light Guard Armory (4400 E 8 Mile Rd., Detroit, 48234) for approximately 120 Soldiers from Company A, 1st Battalion, 125th Infantry Regiment.

§ 8 p.m. at the Wyoming Armory (1200 44th St. SW, Wyoming, 49505) for approximately 120 Soldiers from Company C, 1st Battalion, 125th Infantry Regiment.

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 abroad, more than 9,000 members remain, ready to respond to state emergencies.

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MEDIA ADVISORY:

Media is invited to attend.

For more information about the departure ceremony for HHC, 1st Battalion, 125th Infantry Regiment in Flint contact Sgt. 1st Class Donald Derryberry, 810-239-5404.

For information regarding the departure ceremony for Company F, 237th Forward Support Battalion in Bay City contact 1st Sgt. Peter Kirley, 989-667-0649, 810-513-0563.

For more information about the departure ceremony for Company A, 1st Battalion, 125th Infantry Regiment in Detroit contact Sgt. 1st Class David Squier, 313-957-6532.

For information about the departure ceremony for Company C, 1st Battalion, 125th Infantry Regiment in Wyoming contact 1st Sgt. Kenneth Beech, 616-249-2775.

If you have question regarding the press release please contact Master Sgt. Denice Rankin, 517-481-8136, 517-896-0859.