KATHMANDU, Nepal, U.S. Embassy in Nepal -- To help reduce human suffering and assist with Nepal’s COVID-19 response, members of the United States Utah Air National Guard’s 151st Air Refueling Wing, in coordination with U.S. Transportation Command’s Denton Program for private donations, delivered lifesaving equipment and humanitarian supplies to Kathmandu, Nepal, on August 31, 2021.

Donations of supplies and equipment to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, were transported on a KC-135 plane by members of the 151st ARW. National Guard members also provided a tour of the KC-135 plane and participated in a professional exchange on firefighting with the Nepali Army. The donations targeted the needs identified by the Government of Nepal’s Ministry of Health and Population and provide critical assistance to Nepal at a critical time.

United States Ambassador to Nepal Randy Berry said, “Since the beginning of the pandemic, the United States has stood by Nepal and assisted in its effort to stop the devastation caused by COVID-19. This is yet another example of our ongoing support to help Nepal in a time of need.”

NGOs Non-Resident Nepali Association, Direct Relief, and India COVID SOS, along with Doterra Essential Oils shipped their donations of critical items and commodities from various locations to the Roland R. Wright Air National Guard Base to be loaded for immediate transportation to Nepal. Once the items arrived in Nepal, they were delivered to the Government of Nepal’s Ministry of Health and Population for appropriate distribution to citizens most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It took a lot of dedication and hard work from multiple partners at the local and national level to make this mission possible,” said Maj. Gen. Michael Turley, the adjutant general, Utah National Guard. “My hope is that our support will preserve lives, provide relief, and engender trust with the Nepalese people.”

The Utah National Guard is composed of two branches of the United States military, the Air National Guard and Army National Guard, and is committed to fostering strong relationships with the community and other nations strengthening long-standing partnerships. With more than 7,500 Airmen and Soldiers in Utah, the Utah National Guard is made up of local citizens who live and work in the community; neighbors helping neighbors; standing ready to serve when the nation or state calls.