by Nick Delgado
Guam - About one hundred members of the Guam Air National Guard will be deployed to the Southeast Asia region in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. The Engineering, Force Support and Comptroller Units are under the 254th Red Horse Squadron are those affected.
Airman First Class Toey Rios said, "I've looked forward to it and plan on doing a lot of training while I'm back there and I tried to take care of business at the home front now so I don't have to worry about it when I get back there."
Rios along with the number of troops where joined by family and friends during today's sendoff ceremony at the University of Guam. It's a ceremony honoring the men and women serving in the guard. Guam National Guard Adjutant General Benny Paulino said, "Airmen, know this and never forget that while you leave to carry out your mission, you leave behind a network of family, friends, co-workers, and a community that will do everything possible to ensure your loved ones are cared for, informed and supported during your period of deployment."
The overseas contingency operation will serve as part of a total force personnel footprint to support the Central Command Air Force Red Horse requirements. An additional 22 members from the 254th Force Support Squadron will also provide functional support in the areas of service and personnel.
Governor Eddie Calvo also gave his remarks to the airmen, saying, "And now as you go on your next mission and it is a dangerous mission, we do know that as you have performed your mission in the past, it will be exemplary but you will be there also as builders and giving hope for a people so far away."
The guard members will depart Guam within the month to the U.S. mainland for the initial deployment training. The troops will deploy for six months.
