Guardian Angels deploy to Afghanistan

Twelve Alaska Air National Guardsmen from the 212th Rescue Squadron board an Air Force C-17 Globemaster III flown by a joint crew from the Alaska Air National Guard 249th Airlift Squadron and active-duty 517th Airlift Squadron. The Guardsmen are deploying to Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan Aug. 31 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Photo by Maj. Guy Hayes, Alaska National Guard Public Affairs.

Senior Master Sgt. Paul J. Barendregt, pararescuemen, 212th Rescue Squadron, (left) and Capt. Matt Kirby, combat rescue officer, 212th Rescue Squadron, share a laugh before boarding an Air Force C-17 Globemaster III headed to Afghanistan. They will be joining an active-duty expeditionary rescue squadron and will be providing the search and rescue capabilities for the unit. Photo by Maj. Guy Hayes, Alaska National Guard Public Affairs.

Members of the Alaska Air National Guard's 212th Rescue Squadron transfer their gear from vehicles to a C-17 Globemaster III before deploying to Afghanistan to support combat search and rescue missions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. The unit is scheduled to support the deployment over the next eight months, with individual Guardsmen supporting the deployment in two to four month intervals. Photo by Maj. Guy Hayes, Alaska National Guard Public Affairs.

A patch worn by members of the 212th Rescue Squadron proudly displays the motto "That Others May Live". Photo by Maj. Guy Hayes, Alaska National Guard Public Affairs.