Kansas soldiers get special send-off at Forbes Field

TOPEKA (KSNT) - Soldiers with the Kansas National Guard based out of Topeka are heading for the nation's capitol later this month.

The Kansas Adjutant General's Department announced in a press release on Monday, April 1 that soldiers from the Kansas National Guard's Company A and Company D, 1st Battalion, 108th Aviation Regiment are traveling out of state. The soldiers are due for a departure ceremony at 4 p.m. on Sunday, April 7 at the Army Aviation Support Facility #1, Hangar 682 at 7116 SE Forbes Avenue.

“I admire the dedication and service the men and women of the Kansas Army National Guard have for our state and nation,” said Governor Laura Kelly. “I know the sacrifices they make – spending time away from their families for the cause of freedom. We pledge to give their families all our support while they're deployed.”

Director of Public Affairs Jane Welch with the Adjutant General's Department says doors for the event will open at 3 p.m. on the day of the ceremony. The troops will be deployed to support aviation operations in the National Capital Region under the command of Captain Stephen Blank.

“These soldiers are ready and eager to do the job they’ve been trained to do,” Blank said. “I look forward to the opportunity to serve our state and nation alongside the talented individuals who make up the 108^th Aviation.”

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