Augusta, Mich. - Following a 12-month tour of duty in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, approximately 30 Michigan Army National Guard Soldiers from the 126th Press Camp Headquarters, based at Fort Custer in Augusta, return home. The Soldiers are scheduled to arrive for a homecoming ceremony at the Augusta Armory located on Fort Custer at 12:30 p.m. While deployed, the 126th Press Camp provided media support and credentialing for U.S. and international media personnel. The Press Camp, under the command of Lt. Col. Timothy Houchlei, also operated as a coalition press information center.

Today, nearly 1,000 Michigan National Guard Soldiers and Airmen are deployed across the globe in support of the global war on terrorism; however, as the Michigan Guard serves the nation abroad, more than 90 percent of the force is available, trained and ready to respond to a state emergency including a terrorist event.

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Media Advisory
Media is invited to attend the homecoming ceremony and is advised to arrive at noon (the bus may arrive early). The Augusta Armory is located on Fort Custer. Fort Custer is four miles west of downtown Battle Creek. The main entrance is off Denso Road: from 1-94, take exit 92 north (Climax Road) to Hill Brady Road. Turns left (west), and drive approximately 1.5 miles to Denso Road. Look for the Fort Custer entrance on the left. You must have personal identification (driver's license, etc.) to enter Fort Custer. The security guard will then direct you to the armory.