By Alabama Public Radio
Montgomery, AL – Another Alabama Army National Guard unit has been activated. 135 soldiers with the 167th Infantry Battalion, which is based in Valley, are preparing to leave. Major General Mark Bowen, the state's Adjutant General, says the unit will provide support to Operation Iraqi Freedom. He says soldiers will mobilize in three increments -- 45 will go on active duty next week. A second group of 14 personnel will depart in mid-December. A third group of about 75 will report for active duty in early January. Bowen says this is the second activation for the 167th. The unit already spent a year on active duty in 2002-2003 to support Operation Noble Eagle.