Okla. close on funds for Guard holiday trip
The Associated Press
Posted : Thursday Dec 6, 2007 14:40:03 EST
TULSA, Okla. — Those working to bring home some 2,600 Oklahoma National Guard troops for the holiday say they’re within $14,000 of accomplishing the goal.
The soldiers with the 45th Infantry Brigade are currently training at Fort Bliss, Texas, for duty in Iraq. They’re being given a 10-day break for the holiday but must arrange their own transportation.
Gov. Brad Henry announced plans last month to raise $600,000 to rent buses and buy gas and food for the trip to and from Fort Bliss.
But 34 buses are being donated, as is the gas and food, meaning less than $250,000 is needed.
Buses are being donated by the Chickasaw, Creek and Choctaw nations, Oklahoma State University at Tulsa, Skiatook Public Schools and the charter bus service Time Lines.
Love’s Travel Stops will provide fuel, while Fort Bliss will provide food for the trip to Oklahoma. DHS LLC of Killeen, Texas, is providing food for the trip back to Texas.
The troops are to begin arriving in Tulsa, McAlester and Oklahoma City on Dec. 23 and will return to Fort Bliss Jan. 2.
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