Lansing, Mich. - Michigan Army National Guard Soldiers from the 46th, 144th, 1775th, and 1776th Military Police companies will depart from three separate locations, Sunday, at 10 a.m., enroute to Camp Grayling, Mich., where they will complete Soldier processing and participate in unit training in preparation for their deployment to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. 

Approximately 60 Soldiers from the 46th will depart from the Kingsford armory, 401 S. Carpenter Ave, Kingsford, Mich., approximately 20 Soldiers from the 144th will depart from the Owosso armory, 201 N. Water St., Owosso, Mich., and approximately 50 Soldiers from the 1775th and the 1776th will depart from the Taylor armory, 12450 Beech Daly Rd., Taylor, Mich.   

The units will depart Camp Grayling, Tuesday, July 11, at approximately 8 p.m. for Fort Dix, N.J.  At Fort Dix the Soldiers will spend four to six weeks on mission-specific training and in-processing.  They are expected to deploy to Iraq for a 12-month tour. 

Today, nearly 2,000 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, more than 9,000 members remain, in reserve and ready to respond to state emergencies.

 MEDIA ADVISORY:

Media is invited to attend.  All of the ceremonies start at 10 a.m. at their respective locations.