Alabama National Guard unit deploys to Afghanistan

MONTGOMERY, AL (12/14/2011)(readMedia)-- The Alabama National Guard's 1312th Engineer Detachment has been called to active duty to support Operation Enduring Freedom. The detachment's home is on Pelham Range, an Alabama National Guard training area in Alexandria, Ala.

The Alabama National Guard will host a departure ceremony for the members of the small unit at the Pelham Range fire station, Dec. 19, 2011, at noon (please pay special attention to notes section). The 1312th expects to be be gone for about a year. Top state and Alabama National Guard officials will be in attendance to help send off the unit.

The 1312th will conduct concrete operations in support of United States efforts in Afghanistan.

The Alabama National Guard has called more than 17,000 personnel to active duty since 9/11 and remains a top contributor among the nation's National Guard.

WHO:

Alabama National Guard's 1312th Engineer Detachment
WHAT:

Departure Ceremony
WHEN: Monday December 19, 2011 at 12:00PM Central Time (US & Canada)
WHERE: Pelham Range Fire Station
Bldg 8315 (On Pelham Range)
Gate 3 Road
Alexandria, Alabama 36250
NOTES:

The event will begin promptly at noon.  However, due to the process of entering a secure facility, we recommend that all media personnel plan to arrive no later than 11:30 a.m.

Also, only media members who have made prior coordination with Staff Sgt. Timmons will be allowed access to Pelham Range.  Pelham Range is an active training area.  Due to security and operational concerns, media wishing to attend the event must let Staff Sgt. Timmons know no later than 9:30 a.m. the day of the event.  Media need to provide the names, positions and affiliations of all attendees.  The Alabama National Guard cannot ensure access to media who do not make prior arrangement with Staff Sgt. Timmons.