Prattville National Guard Unit Casing Its Colors

MONTGOMERY, AL (01/04/2017)(readMedia)-- Prattville Alabama National Guard Company to deactivate in a ceremony at Fort Taylor Harding, Montgomery, AL.

Release #2017010401

The 217th Military Police Company, out of Prattville, will be deactivating in a ceremony to be held at the Fort Taylor Harding armory in Montgomery, Alabama, Jan. 7, 2017, at 2:00 p.m.

The 217th MP Company has a history that dates back to Jan. 16, 1953, when it was designated to the Alabama National Guard force structure as the 131st Medical Holding Company.

Over the years, the unit reorganized and changed unit names from the 131st Medical Holding Company. They became the 131st Medical Company; Headquarters and Service Company, 1320th Engineer Battalion; and the 2nd Howitzer Battalion, 203rd Artillery. This company was designated as the Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 217th Military Police Company on Jan. 15, 1968.

The deactivation of a unit, is a routine part of force structure adjustments throughout the Army and the Alabama National Guard. The Soldiers of the company will be transferred to other units and positions in the Alabama National Guard.

The National Guard armory the company occupied in Prattville is currently undergoing renovations. Upon completion, the armory will house the 231st Military Police Battalion.

Media are welcome to attend the ceremony. Please RSVP Lt. Col. Shannon Hancock, AL NG Public Affairs Officer at alngpao@mail.mil or 334-306-4559 if you plan to attend. An onsite event POC is Sgt. 1st Class Peter Daugherty at peter.f.daugherty.mil@mail.mil or 334-782-8332. Please bring your media credentials and a state issued identification for gate access

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