Published: Monday, Nov. 02, 2009 / Updated: Monday, Nov. 02, 2009 11:19 AM

Saturday send-off for Fort Mill soldiers

York County will hold a public ceremony at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Rock Hill American Legion post to honor National Guardsmen activated for probable deployment to Afghanistan, according to Maj. Coral Dobson, executive officer for the 178th Engineer Battalion of the S.C. Army National Guard.

Fort Mill's 1222nd guard unit of about 105 soldiers is currently activated for training and will leave soon for weeks of mobilization before deployment. The unit is part of the 178th Engineer Battalion, with headquarters in Rock Hill, and additional armories in Chester, Clover, Lancaster, and Wellford.

The event will feature dignitaries and speakers, including Rep. John Spratt, D-S.C.

The unit served in Iraq in 2003-2004, and many in the unit served in Afghanistan in 2007-2008.

The American Legion is located at 199 S. Cherry Road, at the corner of Constitution Boulevard.

See Tuesday's Herald for more details.