Kentucky Air National Guard Sets Up Near Haiti

The Kentucky Air National Guard’s 123rd Airlift Wing has set up an airfield at a vacant airport in the Dominican Republic, to help with relief efforts in earthquake-ravaged Haiti.Lt. Col. Kirk Hilbrecht says the Dominicans have been welcoming and accommodating, but there have been some minor challenges.“It is an area that’s not used to this much traffic," says Hilbrecht. "We have been prepared and are currently sustaining ourselves. So things you would normally think you might need, if you need an extra widget for connectivity, or if you need something you normally would use to do your job, it’s not available here.”Hilbrecht says the unit will stay in area as long as it’s needed. He says they’re already working with groups from other countries on accepting relief flights from around the world.Three planes with air national guard members and supplies departed Louisville Friday.