Wyoming Air National Guard returns from AEF mission Published June 17, 2009 By Master Sgt. Trudy Woodcock Wyoming Military Department CHEYENNE, Wyo. -- The Wyoming Air National Guard completed its Air Expeditionary Force mission in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. The personnel and aircraft are returning and will continue throughout this week and next. The mission called for people and equipment to relieve personnel currently serving in Bagram. Wyoming Airmen from the 187th Airlift Squadron, 153rd Maintenance Squadron, among others are due home this week. Airmen from the 153rd Civil Engineering Squadron and the 153rd Security Forces Squadron are still deployed. "Our deployment pace has increased steadily over the years and we anticipate more of these deployments in the future," said Col. Dennis Grunstad, 153rd Airlift Wing commander. "The National Guard and Reserves make up almost half of the nation's military. We are a viable and important part of the military operations in the United States and overseas." The Wyoming Air Guard continually deploys personnel and units around the globe. The Wyoming Air National Guard has more than 1,000 men and women assigned. The 153rd Airlift Wing, located in Cheyenne, is the host unit for the organization.