Lansing, Mich.- Approximately 140 Soldiers of the 238th Aviation Battalion,  Michigan Army National Guard, Grand Ledge, Mich., will be recognized Sunday,at an awards ceremony, for their 18 month deployment to Kosovo, as a part of Task Force Talon, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. The unit was called to active duty July 2005 and arrived home December 2006.

While in country, the Task Force Talon accomplishments included 8500 safely flown aircraft hours, 500 simulator hours, fueling of 4500 aircraft with 904,653 gallons of JP8 fuel and the phasing of 22 aircraft. By maintaining 24-hour operations, TF Talon was able to plan and execute over 2500 missions. One of the most lasting accomplishments of Talon was the Adopt-a-School Program. Talon raised over $60,000 for a multi-ethnic school in the small town of Binac.

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 1,600 Michigan National Guard Soldiers and Airmen are deployed across the globe, at locations such as Iraq, Kuwait, and Afghanistan. Since Sept., 11, 2001, approximately 80 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.