Lansing, Mich. - Approximately 155 Soldiers of the1071st Maintenance Company, Michigan Army National Guard, Grayling, Mich., will be recognized Sunday, at an awards ceremony, for their 15 month deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.  The unit was called to active duty January 2005 and arrived home March 2006.                          
While in country, the 1071st supported the maintenance needs of various units such as the 42nd Infantry Division, the Tennessee National Guard's 278th Brigade Combat Team, and the 2nd Marine Division.   

 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.

 MEDIA ADVISORY

Media is invited to attend the Freedom Salute ceremony, 9a.m., Sunday, March 4, at the Grayling High School (1135 N. Old US 27, just north of the airfield).  Family and friends will be available for interviews up to one hour before the ceremony begins.   

(For more information, contact Lt. Col. Tom Lamie at work (989) 344-6107 or cell (517) 282-7891.)