Lansing Soldiers, families, employees to be honored

PRESS RELEASE

June 3, 2005

Lansing—Approximately 50 Soldiers from the Lansing-based 163rd Personnel Services Battalion , Michigan Army National Guard will be recognized Sunday for their 14 month deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

The Soldiers were called to active duty December 2003 and sent to Fort McCoy, Wisc., for in-processing and mission specific training. They arrived in Iraq February 2004 and returned home in February 2005.

The ceremony, "Freedom Salute Campaign," 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, nearly 2,000 Michigan National Guard Soldiers and Airmen are deployed across the globe, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom; however, as the Michigan Guard serves the nation, more than 9,000 members remain, in reserve and ready to respond to state emergencies.

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MEDIA ADVISORY:

The ceremony will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday, at the Michigan National Guard Headquarters building, 2500 S. Washington, Lansing. Media is invited to attend.

Questions may be directed to Staff Sgt. Ronald Raflik 517-483-5572 or 517-819-8666.