ST. JOSEPH, Mo., - Gov. Jay Nixon said today that the Missouri National Guard's 139th Airlift Wing is sending a C-130 cargo aircraft and an 11-Airmen crew to Pope Air Force Base in North Carolina in support of Haiti relief operations. The 139th Airlift Wing is located at Rosecrans Air National Guard Base in St. Joseph.
"These Airmen are helping meet the significant challenges of getting badly needed supplies to this devastated country, and we are very proud of them," said Nixon, who visited with Airmen at Rosecrans last Friday. "The Missouri National Guard has a long record of humanitarian missions to help people in great need after disasters. This mission adds to that tradition."
The Missouri National Guard Citizen-Airmen are scheduled to head to Pope AFB today in support of Operation Unified Response and are expected to support operations there for one week.
"Once again, the Missouri National Guard is ready to provide assistance when needed," said Brig. Gen. Stephen L. Danner, adjutant general for the Missouri National Guard. "Your Missouri National Guard Citizen-Airmen and Soldiers are well trained and equipped for this mission."