SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – To help reduce human suffering and assist with Nepal's COVID-19 response, members of the Utah Air National Guard's 151st Air Refueling Wing, in coordination with U.S. Transportation Command's Denton Program for private donations, will transport lifesaving equipment and humanitarian supplies to Kathmandu, Nepal, Aug. 27.
Donations of supplies and equipment to combat the COVID-19 pandemic will be transported on a KC-135 plane by members of the 151st ARW. National Guard members will also provide a tour of the KC-135 plane and participate in a professional exchange on firefighting with the Nepali Army. The donations will target needs identified by the Government of Nepal's Ministry of Health and Population.
"Since the beginning of the pandemic, the United States has stood by Nepal and assisted in its effort to stop the devastation caused by COVID-19," said Randy Berry, U.S. ambassador to Nepal. "Today is yet another example of our ongoing support to help Nepal in a time of need."
Nongovernmental organizations shipped donations of critical items and commodities to the Roland R. Wright Air National Guard Base for transportation to Nepal. Once the items arrive in Nepal, they will be delivered to the government for distribution to people most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
"It took a lot of dedication and hard work from multiple partners at the local and national level to make this mission possible," said Maj. Gen. Michael Turley, the adjutant general, Utah National Guard. "My hope is that our support will preserve lives, provide relief, and engender trust with the Nepalese people."