CAMP SHELBY , Miss. --Family members, state and local leaders will honor more than 4,000 Soldiers of the 1-34th Minnesota National Guard Brigade Combat Team (BCT) with a departure ceremony here at 2 p.m. March 16.  The event will be held at the Camp Shelby Parade Field.

       The 1-34th BCT is comprised of Soldiers from Minnesota, Iowa, New Jersey, Nebraska, Kentucky and Kansas.  After months of rigorous training in conditions designed to replicate Iraq, the Soldiers are prepared to deploy for Operation Iraq Freedom this Spring. 

       Other activities for the 1-34th BCT include a training event/concert March 14 at 5 p.m. and a picnic on March 15 at approximately 11 a.m. Times may change; Exact times are TBA.

       In order to avoid delays, guests should plan obtain their vehicle pass before 12 p.m. at the Camp Shelby South Gate.  Information about the event, vehicle pass requirements and a packing list is available on the Brigade website: www.redbullweb.com.

       Media should arrive at by 12 p.m. (noon) on Thursday for the Departure Ceremony.  Please enter Camp Shelby through the South Gate of Highway 49 South.  Media who wish to cover these events should contact the Public Affairs Office below.

For more information, contact: 

Lt. Col. Doril Sanders, Mobilization Center Shelby- Public Affairs Officer, (601) 558-2835 or doril.sanders@us.army.mil

Capt Mark Lappegaard, 1/34 BCT- Public Affairs Officer, (601) 467-5859 or mark.lappegaard@us.army.mil

Mobilization Center Shelby (MCS)

Public Affairs Office

Building T900

Camp Shelby, MS 39407