A North Dakota Army National Guard unit known for its engineering skills and sacrifices in Iraq soon will officially become a part of history.

On Sept. 1, the Valley City-based 141st Engineer Combat Battalion, which now is a part of the Fargo-based 141st Maneuver Enhancement Battalion, will officially deactivate.

The Maneuver Enhancement Battalion also is absorbing the Bismarck-based 34th Engineer Brigade on that date. The brigade formally retired its colors on June 21, during a ceremony to thank members for their service in Iraq.

The mission of the Maneuver Enhancement Battalion is to provide supplies and support for other National Guard units, said 1st Lt. Dan Murphy, a Guard spokesman.

The change will be bittersweet for Dan McGough, who served as a battalion supply sergeant for the 141st ECB for 29 years.

"It's not like we're going to a funeral," he said. "It's a celebration of our history. That's the end, but it was great, great memories."

The Guard will commemorate the deactivation of the 141st unit with events this fall, including the ceremony in which the unit's colors will be retired.

"It's going to be emotional for some, especially seeing the colors retired," McGough said.

The Guard began the unit transformation in 2006 because of a change in the military's structure. Murphy said the Guard nationwide is now considered an operational force rather than a strategic reserve.

The last time the North Dakota Guard went through such a major change was in 1955, when all of the infantry units became engineer units.

Sgt. Amy Willson said no Guard soldiers are losing jobs because of the transition. Soldiers that want to remain engineers might be able to transfer to a different unit.

Members of the 141st Engineer Combat Battalion have served in Iraq in recent years. Four soldiers with the unit have been killed: Spc. Cody Wentz of Williston; Staff Sgt. Lance Koenig of Fargo; Spc. James Holmes of East Grand Forks, Minn.; and Spc. Philip Brown of Jamestown.

- Associated Press