PRESS RELEASE
October 5, 2005

 

Lansing, Mich. - Following a 12-month tour in Iraq, 170 Michigan Army National Guard Soldiers from the Detroit based 1072nd Maintenance Company, will return home tomorrow.  They are expected to arrive at the Detroit Light Guard Armory at approximately 9 a.m.    

 

The returning Guard members come from two Michigan units: 108 Soldiers from Detroit, 42 Soldiers from Marquette, and 20 Soldiers from elsewhere around the state.  Detroit and Marquette will have separate ceremonies.  Marquette is expected to arrive via bus around 1:30 p.m. 

 

The units were called to active duty July 2005 and sent to Fort McCoy, Wis., for in-processing and mission specific training before they were sent to Iraq. 

 

Today, approximately 1,600 Michigan National Guard Soldiers and Airmen are deployed across the globe, at locations such as Iraq, Kuwait, Afghanistan, and Bosnia.  Since Sept., 11, 2001, 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 welcome home ceremonies.  Families are expected to arrive up to a half hour prior to arrival time and are available for interviews.

 

The Detroit Soldiers are expected to arrive at their armory (4400 E. Eight Mile, approximately 10 miles from US 75) at 9 a.m. tomorrow (time subject to change).  For more information, contact Lt. Corissa Barton at (517) 481-8137 or (517) 896-0859.