Lansing, Mich.-- Approximately 200 Soldiers of the 1073rd Michigan Army National Guard, located in Greenville, Mich., will be recognized Saturday, June 3, at an awards ceremony for their 12 month deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.  The units were called to active duty October 2004 and arrived home December 2005. 

 While the 1073^rd served in Iraq, the Soldiers performed a variety of missions including, vehicle, weapons, and equipment maintenance support, supply logistical support, convoy security escort, and recovery operations. 

 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 a certificate of appreciation.  Spouses will be recognized with a commemorative lapel pin.  Employers and other centers of influence will receive a medallion.

 Today, approximately 1,200 Michigan National Guard Soldiers and Airmen are deployed across the globe, at locations such as Iraq, Kuwait, 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

Media is invited to attend the Freedom Salute ceremony, 9:00 a.m. on June 3, at the Greenville Middle School, 1321 Chase Rd., Greenville, Mich. 

(For more information, contact Sgt. First Class Jim Downen at work (517) 481-8138 or cell (517) 243-0587.)