FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Jan. 25, 2010

The 190th Air Refueling Wing received word today that the members of the Kansas Air National Guard's Civil Engineering Squadron currently deployed to Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, have received their official deployment mission to Haiti. The Kansas Air Guardsmen will be flown via military aircraft to the island of Haiti later today.

The 190th Civil Engineering Squadron has been tasked with setting up a Disaster Recovery Beddown System (DRBS) that will provide infrastructure for the continuing operations for approximately 150 response personnel in Haiti. The deployment to Haiti is scheduled to last up to four months.

"I'm very proud of the work our team has done since arriving at Guantanamo," said Lt Col Mark Green, 190th Civil Engineering Commander. "It's another great example of how Guardsmen are making a difference in service to their state and country every day. We will be taking that same service to the people of Haiti."

On Friday, Jan. 22, the 190th Air Refueling Wing flew supplies and additional personnel from the Kansas Air National Guard on a KC-135 to the Kansas Guardsmen already in Cuba for annual training. The Civil Engineering Squadron, comprised of construction personnel, utility workers, plumbers and electricians, were asked to assist with several base construction projects (staging area) in Cuba to support the Haiti disaster relief while at the U.S. naval base at Guantanamo. The Airmen were asked to volunteer for service in Haiti, where they will use their skills in a variety of projects. Some who were not able to stay returned to Topeka Friday. The additional Airmen who replaced them are a combined contingency from the 190th Air Refueling Wing, Topeka, and the 184th Intelligence Wing, Wichita.

"The Kansas Guard will be able to make a difference for the people of Haiti and we're proud to be able to serve there," said Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, Kansas adjutant general.

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.

For additional information, contact Major Chris Hill at 785-861-4593 (christopher.hill@ang.af.mil), Capt Joe Blubaugh (joseph.blubaugh@ang.af.mil) at 785-861-4198 or Sharon Watson (sharon.watson3@us.army.mil) at 785-806-4063.