LANSING, Mich.--Approximately 166 Guardsmen from the Big Rapids-based, Company E, 125th Infantry Battalion, Michigan Army National Guard, will depart today, May 31, at 10 p.m., for Fort Dix, N.J., in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.  At Fort Dix, the Soldiers will spend four to six weeks on mission-specific training and in-processing.  They are then expected to deploy to Iraq for a 12-month tour where they will provide security for main supply routes and assist in the training of Iraqi forces. 

Today, approximately 1,200 Michigan National Guard Soldiers and Airmen are deployed across the globe, at locations such as Iraq, Kuwait, Kosovo, Afghanistan, and Bosnia.  Since Sept. 11, 2001, approximately 75 percent of the Michigan Guard has been deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom; however, as Michigan troops serve the nation, more than 80 percent of the Michigan Guard remains available and ready to respond to a state emergency including a terrorist event. 

MEDIA ADVISORY:  Company E will depart the Big Rapids Armory at 10 p.m.  A brief departure ceremony will begin at 8 p.m.  Media is invited to attend. 

(For more information, contact Lt. Corissa Barton at work (517) 481-8137, or cell (517) 896-0859.)