Massachusetts and Connecticut Air National Guard Security Forces Deploy in support of Hurricane Maria relief efforts in Puerto Rico

Photo By Senior Master Sgt. Julie Avey | The Massachusetts Air National Guard, 104th Fighter Wing, 102nd Intelligence Wing, and the Connecticut Air National Guard's 103rd Airlift Wing, deployed Security Forces Airmen in support of Hurricane Maria relief efforts in Puerto Rico. More than 40 Security Forces members departed Bradley Air National Guard Base on a Connecticut Air National Guard C-130 Hercules aircraft, Nov 5, 2017, and are expected to be mobilized for 30 days. The Air National Guard team of Security Forces Defenders will be assisting with security. They will provide supplemental security to law enforcement and operations in Puerto Rico. (U.S. Air National Guard Photo by Senior Master Sgt. Julie Avey)  

UNITED STATES

11.05.2017

Story by Senior Master Sgt. Julie Avey  

104th Fighter Wing

BRADLEY AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, WINDSOR LOCKS, Conn. – The Massachusetts Air National Guard, 104th Fighter Wing, 102nd Intelligence Wing, and the Connecticut Air National Guard’s 103rd Airlift Wing, deployed Security Forces Airmen in support of Hurricane Maria relief efforts in Puerto Rico. More than 40 Security Forces members departed Bradley Air National Guard Base, November 5, 2017.

“My family is over there and in need as many others are as well,” said Airman 1st Class Francheska Boria, 104th Security Forces. “This deployment means a lot to me. I am proud to be serving and helping the hurricane recovery efforts.”

The Air National Guard team of Security Forces Defenders are providing security on federal installations and stand ready to augment law enforcement operations in Puerto Rico if needed.

“This is what I signed up for in the Air National Guard to help support domestic operations,” said Master Sgt. Jerry Lashway, 103rd Security Forces flight chief. “I have served overseas and now to be able to restore living conditions for people is very rewarding.”

The Connecticut Air National Guard's 103rd Airlift Wing provided a C-130 airlift to Puerto Rico, and the airmen are expected to be mobilized for 30 days.

“While we will be gone away from our families for the upcoming holiday, helping others in need is what being thankful is all about,” said Lt. Colin Maceachern, 104th Security Forces troop commander. “My team and I are glad to be deploying and serving others.”

The National Guard continues to support recovery operations in Puerto Rico and is working alongside state and federal partners to restore Puerto Rico’s infrastructure.

"We are proud of our Air National Guard Airmen who stand ready to assist in humanitarian missions around the world," said Col. James Suhr, 104th Fighter Wing Commander. "These Airmen are providing relief to the Security Forces who have been on duty since Hurricane Maria hit and are dedicated to helping in the recovery effort."

Over 5,000 National Guard members are in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands helping to establish effective communications, augment local law enforcement, restore electrical power and provide medical help to residents in need.

• Date Taken: 11.05.2017
• Date Posted: 11.20.2017 14:08
• Story ID: 256000
• Location: US