Happy Hooligans Respond to Haiti Relief Effort

  • Published
  • By Capt Penny Ripperger
  • 119th Wing Public Affairs
Fargo, N.D. --  Gov. John Hoeven and Maj.Gen. David Sprynczynatyk, N.D. adjutant general announced that the North Dakota Air National Guard has been tasked to help with the Haiti relief effort currently under way.

"The 119th Happy Hooligans of the North Dakota Air National Guard have demonstrated time and again their preparedness, skill and willingness to assist those in need in the aftermath of a severe natural disaster like the Haitian earthquake," Hoeven said. "North Dakota stands ready to use all of the resources at our disposal to help the victims of this tragic and ongoing catastrophe."

Eleven Airmen have been activated with an estimated departure date later this week for a mobilization to last approximately four months.

"The North Dakota National Guard will respond whenever our nation, community or neighbors need us. We are honored to serve and help a nation in crisis," Sprynczynatyk said.

The team consists of Airmen from the 119th Wing Civil Engineer Squadron and has been tasked with a water purification mission. Their job specialties consist of plumbing, generator and electrical operations.

In addition, the 119th Wing is sending three reverse osmosis water purification units (ROWPU) with the Airmen.

At this time, no other squadrons within the 119th Wing have been tasked.

"It is no surprise that we have had a flood of Airmen coming forward to volunteer to help in Haiti. The Happy Hooligans are ready to answer the call and we will continue to respond in any way that we can," said Col. Ricky D. Gibney, 119th Wing commander.
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Since the 2001 terrorist attacks on America, the North Dakota National Guard has mobilized more than 3,500 Soldiers and more than 1,800 Airmen in support of the Global War on Terrorism. Currently, about 800 North Dakota Guardsmen are serving overseas. With a total force of about 4,400 Soldiers and Airmen, sufficient forces remain in the state for emergency response and homeland defense.