Guard's departure ceremony planned for 2 p.m. today

JEFFERSONCITY, Mo. -- The Missouri National Guard will hold a departure ceremony at 2 p.m. today in the Kiefner Building at Ike Skelton Training Site for soldiers of the 35th Infantry Division Engineer Brigade.

The group of about 50 soldiers has received orders putting them on active duty for up to 545 days. The soldiers will report to their mobilization station of Fort Riley, Kan. The unit is headquartered in Cape Girardeau and about 15 of the soldiers are from Southeast Missouri. The unit's commander is Col. Paul Rusinko and the command sergeant is Command Sgt. Maj. Richard Grab.

Family, friends and members of the general public are invited to attend. Photo ID will be needed to gain access.