95 soldiers called to active duty in Egypt - Army News | News from Afghanistan & Iraq - Army Times

95 soldiers called to active duty in Egypt

JOHNSTON, Iowa — About 95 Iowa Army National Guard soldiers will be deployed to Egypt as part of a one-year activation, military officials said.

The Iowa City-based Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment 109th Medical Battalion will receive a sendoff ceremony early next month before training at Fort Lewis, Wash., and deploying to the Sinai Peninsula.

The battalion is being activated under several missions, including the war on terrorism and Operation Iraqi Freedom, according to a news release from the Iowa Army National Guard. The soldiers will provide command to three companies that remove explosives and offer logistical, medical and aviation support to troops in the region.

Officials said soldiers will also be deployed from the following units: 209th Area Support Medical Company based in Iowa City; 294th Area Support Medical Company based in Johnston; 134th Medical Company based in Washington; 67th Troop Command based in Iowa City; 135th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment based in Johnston; the 2133rd Transportation Company based in Centerville; and the Joint Forces Headquarters based in Johnston.

The soldiers are ordered to serve one year, but their service could be extended by another year, the release said.

Details of the sendoff ceremony have not been announced.