WRANGB members, families prepare to deploy

  • Published
  • By 1st LT Jessica Chapa
  • 137 ARW/PA
WILL ROGERS ANG BASE --  About 20 members of the 205th Engineering Installation Squadron deployed to Southwest Asia in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in April. 
The Airmen will support forward deployed units by installing and upgrading satellite communications, fiber optic and copper wiring solutions, internet networks, paging systems, grount-to-air communications, computer design drawings and mapping services.

Many families were in attendance to see their loved ones off.  April Burnett, wife of Staff Sgt. Matthew Burnett, knows she has many people to help take care of their family.  "We are very proud of him, but very scared."  This is Staff Sgt. Burnett's first deployment.  "Just knowing she has to be the main person of the house is hard," he said, "but we have friends here that will help take care of them."

Before members departed, Major General Myles Deering, Adjutant General of the Oklahoma National Guard, visited with members and their families.
"It's easier on those going down range than it is on the ones left behind," Maj. Gen. Deering explained.  "Everything is being done to ensure the safety of your loved ones."
To Airmen, he continued, " You continually execute the jobs we ask you to do, but you do it with expertise.  I know you will make us all proud."