The public is reminded to come out for a deployment ceremony for 80 members of the Athens-based 203rd Military Police Battalion at 4 p.m. Friday at Beasley Field at Athens State University before they leave for Iraq. The unit will undergo training before heading to Iraq for transition training with Iraqi police. The battalion will depart from Huntsville International Airport Sunday morning.

Maj. Robert J. Cook, executive officer of the 203rd, said speakers scheduled for the event include: Major General Abner Blalock, adjutant general of Alabama; Brigadier General Charles Gailes, commander 31st Chemical Brigade; Lt. Col. Charles Buxton, commander 203rd Military Police Battalion; Athens Mayor Dan Williams and Sen. Tom Butler, D-Madison, who will read a proclamation and present a state flag to the unit commander.