LANSING, MICH - Approximately 30 soldiers from the 126th Press Camp Headquarters, based at Fort Custer in Augusta, Mich., will deploy Thursday to Fort Dix, N. J., and then Iraq.

The Soldiers will train for approximately 60 days at Fort Dix before they
deploy to Iraq, where they will provide media relations and credentialing for all U.S. and international media. The 126th Press Camp will also serve as a coalition press information center.

The deployment ceremony will be held Thursday, Feb. 21 at 9:30 a.m., at the Fort Custer Armory, 2501 26th Str., Building 3100, Augusta., Mich.,49012-9203.

Today, more than 1,600 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.


MEDIA ADVISORY:

Media is invited to attend. Please have proper credentials to ensure access to Fort Custer. Family members will be available for interviews before or after the approximate one hour long ceremony. For more information, contact Master Sgt. Denice Rankin 517-481-8136 or 517-896-0859 or Sgt. 1st Class Derren Mazza at 269-731-6431.