IOLA – About 170 Kansas National Guard soldiers from the 891st Engineer Battalion, based in Iola, will deploy to west Africa next spring to help fight the deadly Ebola virus. The battalion includes troops from the former Garnett National Guard unit. The 891st Engineer Battalion will build medical facilities, Maj. Gen. Lee Tafanelli, Kansas adjutant general, said. They’ll deploy in the spring for approximately six months, with the potential to serve up to a year, he said. The soldiers will begin training next month in Kansas and will receive additional training before continuing to west Africa. Tafanelli said the state is working closely with the Department of Defense to take all the necessary steps to ensure the safety of the Guard soldiers on the mission.
Tuesday, Nov. 18, 10 a.m.
