Six Local airmen deploy overseas

Six Luverne residents are among the airmen deployed with the South Dakota Air National Guard 114th Fighter Wing out of Sioux Falls on Wednesday.
Jaidyn Elbers, Joe Baustian, Makayla Sterrett, Alec Hoven, Abby Pierce and Jack Baustian were among the airmen and aircraft deployed for Southeast Asia this week in support of an Air Expeditionary Force rotation.
Their parents are Todd and Diane Elbers, Pat and Katie Baustian, Tom and Melissa Sterrett, Richard and Jessy Hoven and Travis and Stephanie Pierce.
According to support officer Capt. Jessica Bak, the U.S. Air Force routinely deploys fighter aircraft units to the region to provide combatant commanders with the capabilities needed to maintain a deterrent against threats to regional security and stability.
The 114th Fighter Wing has previously deployed to various locations in the South Asia region since Sept. 11, 2001.
Air National Guard officials have declined to say how many personnel are deploying, exact location of the deployment, specific equipment involved or length of the mission.
Upon return from deployment a welcome home ceremony for airmen and families is planned.