Air Guard members start leaving for mission over Iraq

The first group of about 150 Iowa Air National Guard members left today foran overseas mission. Major Tim Leonard is spokesman for the Des Moines-based132nd Fighter Group, which flies F-16 jets.The Iowa Guard pilots, mechanics & support staff, will be stationed inTurkey during the month of August. The fighters will be flying patrols overthe northern “no-fly zone” of Iraq, in accord with U-N resolutions. MajorLeonard says it won’t be a new mission for the Wing.Leonard says the pilots are well-trained but know they’re still flying intoa danger zone.He says the mission is also being performed by Air Guard units from Ohio andOklahoma.