Kingsford and Menominee Soldiers, families, employees to be honored

PRESS RELEASE

February 4, 2005

Lansing--Approximately 50 Soldiers of the 46th Military Police Company from Kingsford and Menominee, Mich., were recognized Sunday for their 14 month deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The unit was called to active duty in January 2003 and arrived home August 2004.

The ceremony, "Freedom Salute Campaign," also recognizes and honors the families, employers, and other "centers of influence" of each Guard member.  During the ceremony, each soldier will receive an encased American flag, lapel insignia, commemorative coin, and certificate of appreciation. Spouses will be recognized with a commemorative lapel. Employers and other centers of influence will receive a medallion.

Today, a little more than 2,000 Michigan National Guard Soldiers and Airmen are deployed throughout the globe. Nearly 100 additional Guard members will depart this month and next, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (rotation #3); however, as the Michigan Guard serves the nation, more than 9,000 members remain, in reserve, ready to respond to state emergencies including homeland defense events.