Michigan Army National Guard Soldiers from Gladstone deploy in support of Operation Enduring Freedom
November 1, 2010
LANSING, MICH. - Friends and family will bid farewell to approximately 144 Michigan Army National Guard Soldiers from the Gladstone-based 1430th Engineer Company on Wednesday, Nov. 3 as they depart for Fort McCoy, Wisc., and then Afghanistan for a 12-month tour of duty.
Soldiers from 1430th Vertical Engineering Company will train for approximately 30 days at Fort McCoy before deploying to conduct missions in Afghanistan. Upon arrival in Afghanistan, they will be conducting various building and construction projects of vertical structures.
Today, more than 1400 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:
The departure ceremony will be held Wednesday, Nov. 3rd, at 11 a.m., at the Gladstone High School football field, 2100 M-35 Highway, Gladstone, Mich. 49837. In case of inclement weather, the ceremony will move into the gymnasium.
Media is invited to attend the deployment ceremony. Soldiers and family members will be available for interviews starting at 10 a.m.
For more information, contact Senior Airman Matt Mohundro at 517-481-8139.
