KINGSLEY FIELD, Ore. – Seventy-three Airmen from the Oregon National Guard’s 173rd Fighter Wing have been activated to support the Klamath County Sheriff’s Office with evacuation and wildfire prevention efforts in response to the Wrights Spring Fire.
The activation, authorized Aug. 10 by Col. Adam Gaudinski, commander of the 173rd Fighter Wing, uses Active Guard Reserve members under Immediate Response Authority to provide immediate assistance to local authorities.
The response reflects the Oregon National Guard’s commitment to protecting and supporting communities across the state when emergencies threaten Oregon residents’ lives and property.
“The Oregon National Guard has a responsibility to be there for Oregonians when they need us most,” said Brig. Gen. Alan Gronewold, adjutant general of the Oregon National Guard. “Our state mission is about more than responding to emergencies. It is about being a trusted partner to the communities we serve and providing the people and capabilities needed to help protect lives, property and the places Oregonians call home.”
The Oregon National Guard maintains forces capable of responding to emergencies throughout the state while working alongside local and state authorities. In Klamath County, that response has brought Airmen from Kingsley Field into a mission many of them view as deeply personal.
“Standing by when our community truly needs help is never an option,” Gaudinski said. “The men and women of the 173rd Fighter Wing are elite Airmen serving our nation and our state. We are also members of the communities our families, friends and neighbors call home. When our communities need help, we are going to be there.”
The Airmen activated to support the response are assisting the Klamath County Sheriff’s Office with evacuation efforts associated with the Wrights Spring Fire, providing additional manpower to local authorities working to protect residents and property.
Gronewold said the response demonstrates the importance of maintaining a ready and capable force that can transition quickly from its federal mission to supporting Oregon communities.
“Our Soldiers and Airmen are trained to respond,” Gronewold said. “They are ready to serve, and they understand the responsibilities that goes with these assignments.”
For Kingsley Field, that support is especially meaningful because the Airmen serving alongside local authorities are also members of the community they help protect.
“We have a duty to protect and serve our nation, but that responsibility does not stop at the gate,” Gaudinski said. “Inside the gates of Kingsley Field Air National Guard Base, we are Team Kingsley. Outside the gates, we are part of an even bigger team and a place we are honored to call home. When our community needs us, we will proudly stand beside them – whenever, wherever and however we can. Our community provides us with immeasurable acts of support and kindness. We are forever in their debt, and we hope this can be a sign of our true love and admiration of this community.”
The response highlights the dual role of the Oregon National Guard – maintaining a force ready to defend the nation while remaining prepared to respond when Oregonians need assistance at home.
“Our federal mission requires us to remain ready to defend our nation,” Gronewold said. “Our state mission requires us to remain ready to serve Oregon. Both missions demand the same thing – ready, disciplined and committed Soldiers and Airmen who are willing to answer the call when their fellow citizens need them.”
At Kingsley Field, that commitment is reflected in the Airmen who have stepped away from their normal duties to support their neighbors during an uncertain and potentially dangerous situation.
“We train every day to be ready for the mission our nation gives us,” Gaudinski said. “But readiness also means being ready to help when something happens in our own backyard. This is home for our Airmen, and when our community needs us, Kingsley Field will answer.”
The 173rd Fighter Wing continues to coordinate with the Klamath County Commissioners, Klamath County Sheriff’s Office and Oregon National Guard leadership as the wildfire situation develops.