As members of the Oregon National Guard deploy to help with firefighting efforts across the state, Airmen from the 173rd Fighter Wing based at Kingsley Field are deploying to Central Oregon and the Rogue Valley to help.
The Fighter Wing syas that 120 Airmen have already deployed, with more scheduled to head out in the coming days. 12 left on Saturday to aid with traffic control in Central Oregon, and 50 more are headed to the Rogue Valley.
“These are historic wildfires, and our Airmen have stepped up beyond all expectations to support their fellow Oregonians,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. William Wilkinson, 173rd FW Emergency Operations Center director. “These are real citizens leaving their homes and their families to protect their state.”
Several members of the Fighter Wing have had to evacuate their own homes — and three have had their homes burn down. Other members of the base have teamed up to donate and support their comrade displaced by fire.