Lansing, Mich. -- Approximately 110 Soldiers of the 1072nd Maintenance Company, Michigan Army National Guard, Detroit, Mich., will be recognized Sunday at an awards ceremony, for their deployments to Kuwait and Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

The Soldiers of the 1072nd, along with 60 Soldiers from the Marquette based 1075th and from various units throughout the state, were called to active duty July 2005. The units mobilized to Fort McCoy, Wis., for in-processing and mission specific training before deploying to Iraq and Kuwait in October 2005.

During the 12-month deployment, the 1072nd provided direct support maintenance for the 4th Infantry Division and the 1st and 2nd Brigade Combat Teams of the 1st Armor Division. They up-armored vehicles, repaired several damaged Latvian HMMWVs for coalition forces, installed more than 50 weapons mounts on the M-1 tank, installed armor plating on helicopters, and repaired weapons, generators, and air conditioning systems.

The ceremony, "Freedom Salute Campaign," recognizes and honors the Soldiers and well as the families, employers, and other "centers of influence" of each Guard member. Each Soldier will receive an encased American flag, lapel insignia, commemorative coin, and a certificate of appreciation. Spouses will receive a commemorative lapel pin. Employers and other centers of influence will receive a medallion.

Today, approximately 1,500 Michigan National Guard Soldiers and Airmen are deployed across the globe, at locations such as Iraq, Kuwait, Kosovo, and Afghanistan. Since Sept. 11, 2001, approximately 85 percent of the Michigan Guard has 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 at 11 a.m. Sunday, June 3 at the Michigan Army National Guard Armory located at 4400 E. Eight Mile Rd., Detroit

 For more information, contact Sgt. 1st Class Anderson, 313-957-6527