Wyo Guard airmen prepare for summer deployments

Gov. Matt Mead, Wyoming governor, speaks to deploying airmen from the 153rd Airlift Wing, Wyoming Air National Guard June 5, 2016, at Cheyenne Air National Guard Base in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Mead used this opportunity as a chance to let those airmen know their sacrifices are appreciated by the state of Wyoming and its citizens. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Nichole Grady).

Wyo Guard airmen prepare for summer deployments

Deploying airmen from the 153rd Airlift Wing, Wyoming Air National Guard, pose for a photo with Wyoming Gov. Matt Mead and Wyoming Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. K. Luke Reiner June 5, 2016. Mead and Reiner made it a priority to talk with these airmen prior to their upcoming deployments. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Nichole Grady)

Wyo Guard airmen prepare for summer deployments

Airmen of the 153rd Airlift Wing, Wyoming Air National Guard, process through a pre-deployment line in preparation for various upcoming deployments, June 5, 2016, at Cheyenne Air National Guard Base in Cheyenne, Wyoming. During the deployment line, deploying Airmen were given the opportunity to receive pertinent information from various organizations such as legal, finance and chaplain. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Autumn Velez)

Wyo Guard airmen prepare for summer deployments

Published June 7, 2016
By Senior Airman Nichole Grady
153rd Airlift Wing

CHEYENNE, Wyoming -- U.S. Air Force airmen from the 153rd Airlift Wing, Wyoming Air National Guard, are preparing to deploy around the world to support of various contingency operations.

More than 100 airmen are deploying in small groups and as individuals. The deploying members belong to various units including, finance, operations, logistics, maintenance, civil engineering and medical. For some members is their first deployment and they said they look forward to the experience.

"I don't really know what to expect," said Senior Airman Emily Anderson, material management specialist. "I'm looking forward to the experience, it'll be fun."

For others the deployment will provide new experiences.

"Deploying is unique because we get to work with active duty and joint forces. I'm looking forward to meeting new people," said Master Sgt. Victoria Lopez, wing executive assistant. "My training has helped me to feel ready for this deployment, I feel comfortable knowing that I am prepared."

Many top-level officials attended a send-off event last weekend, including Wyoming Gov. Matt Mead; Maj. Gen. K. Luke Reiner, Wyoming's adjutant general; and Col. David. W. Herder, 153rd Airlift Wing vice wing commander. The leadership team thanked the airmen for their service and urged them to stay safe while proudly representing Wyoming.

"You all do an exceptional job," said Mead. "The bar is always raised when the Wyoming Guard comes in."

Wing members are no strangers to deployments with experienced members deploying several times since 9/11 in support of contingency operations abroad.

"As you're deployed know that you go with the full support of the state of Wyoming and our citizens," said Maj. Gen. Reiner. "We look forward to the day we get to say welcome home."