CONTACT: Capt. Maryjane Porter , Deputy PAO 412th Theater Engineer Command, (601) 631-1463

FOR RELEASE: Thursday, Apr 19, 2012

ON SITE: Tech Sgt. Michael O’Halloran at 845-563-2031

STEWART AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, NEWBURG (04/18/2012)(readMedia)-- The New York Air National Guard’s 105th Airlift Wing will host the deployment ceremony for U.S. Army Reserve Soldiers from the 411th Engineer Brigade heading for Afghanistan on Thursday, April 19. WHO: Approximately 125, non-commissioned officers and enlisted Soldiers assigned to the 411th Engineer Brigade of the 412th Theater Engineer Command WHAT: A Deployment Farewell Ceremony attended by Brig. Gen. Douglas Satterfield, deputy commander of 412th Theater Engineer Command, the Orange County Choppers, the United States Military Academy Band, Warriors Watch Riders, and the USO Liberty Bells along with family members. WHEN: Ceremony begins at 9:30am on Thursday, Apr. 19, 2012. Other events to follow the ceremony: 11:00am-12:30pm (a) Light lunch (b) Soldier-Family time (c) Media Interviews * Soldiers will then march to another hangar to board the plane for Fort Bliss, Texas. WHERE: Main Hanger at Stewart Air National Guard Base, Maguire Way, Newburgh, NY. NOTE: For access to this secure militry facility members of the press MUST contact Tech Sgt. Michael O’Halloran at 845-563-2031 prior to Close of Business on Wedensday, April 18. Coverage Opportunities: Reporters are welcome to interview Soldiers and/or family members before or after the ceremony. BACKGROUND: Task Force Empire will deploy to support the ISAF Joint Command in synchronizing combat and construction engineering effects in order to improve security, development and governance in Afghanistan. Before heading to Afghanistan, the Soldiers will spend approximately three weeks at Ft Bliss, Texas to prepare for their overseas mission.