Mich. Soldiers To Deploy For Duty

Nearly 80 Michigan National Guard soldiers from Detroit are getting ready to leave for Afghanistan.

The soldiers from the 1225th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion leave for Fort Hood, Texas, on Thursday.

After training, they will spend a year in Afghanistan providing logistical support for US forces in southern Afghanistan.

The unit, also known as the "Detroit Light Guard," is currently the oldest unit in the Michigan National Guard dating back to the 1830s.

Nearly 800 Michigan National Guard Soldiers and Airmen are deployed across the globe in support of the global war on terrorism.

While the Michigan Guard serves the nation abroad, more than 90 percent of the force is available, trained and ready to respond to a state emergency including a terrorist event.

(Copyright 2010 WWJ Radio. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)