Kansas Electricians Head to Haiti

Abilene Reflector-Chronicle
Saturday, Jan 16, 2010
Kansas Air National Guardsmen deployed to Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, are tasked to assist with Haitian crisis.

As part of their annual two-week training requirement, 48 members of Topeka’s 190th Air Refueling Wing deployed to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to assist with several base construction projects Jan. 4. Following the disaster in Haiti, 190th personnel are now assessing personnel and equipment for providing disaster relief response at the U.S. naval base at Guantanamo.

“Within a short time of a ceremony to send soldiers and airmen to a critical mission in Afghanistan we get another mission,” said Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, Kansas adjutant general. “This is what we do and it is an honor to be called upon to support this. Our Guardsmen are prepared to do whatever is necessary to help the victims in Haiti.”

The 190th's Civil Engineering Squadron, which is comprised of construction personnel, utility workers, plumbers and electricians, is currently preparing for the possible assembly of tents and deployment of other logistical requirements that may be used to support on-site humanitarian assistance.

“We have a very experienced team here. This is what we are trained to do,” said Lt. Col. Mark Green, 190th Civil Engineering Squadron commander.

As part of their original assignment, 190th members worked to install electrical conduits and outlets in the base’s migrant processing centers. Near that same area, members also cleared away brush and trees, laying the groundwork for the construction of tents to house migrants after a crisis event, if necessary.

“The work that the members of our Civil Engineering Squadron are performing at Guantanamo Bay is outstanding. They are a credit to the 190th, the Kansas National Guard and the United States Air Force. Their efforts are another indication of the level of expertise and dedication to duty that members of the Kansas National Guard exhibit each and every day,” said Col. Keith Lang, 190th Air Refueling Wing commander.

“I’m very proud of the work our team has done since arriving at Guantanamo,” Green said. “It’s another great example of how Guardsmen are making a difference in service to their state and country every day.”
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