144th deployment ceremony Sunday in Marianna

Fla. Nat'l Guard's transportation company prepares to deploy
Marianna-based 144th Transportation Company has ceremony July 5
 
WHAT:   A deployment ceremony will be held for approximately 70 Soldiers from
the Florida Army National Guard's 144th Transportation Company.
 
WHEN:  Ceremony is July 5, 2009, 10 a.m..  The departure of Soldiers will be
July 8, 2009.

WHERE:  Marianna Armory, 3645 Highway 90, 32447

WHY:  Operation Iraqi Freedom

Background:  The 144th TC last deployed as a unit to Iraq and they returned
June 2005.  While deployed the Soldiers provided convoy security for vehicles
moving troops and supplies in Iraq.  For their actions two Soldiers were
awarded the Purple Heart for injuries sustained, and 14 Soldiers from the
unit were awarded the Bronze Star.

Military leaders, civilian dignitaries, friends and family will gather for
the deployment ceremony.  The unit will combine with the Fla. Army National
Guard's 1218th Transportation Co., West Palm Beach.  The 1218th had a
deployment ceremony July 1.  The two units will merge at Camp Atterbury, Ind.
for advanced training before proceeding to Iraq.

Most of the 144th TC Soldiers reside in the Florida Panhandle area.