Derek Schmidt

U.S. Rep. Derek Schmidt expressed confidence in Kansas troops deployed for the Iran war.

Airmen from the 190th Air Refueling Wing were deployed in support of Operation Epic Fury.

The congressman, a member of the House Armed Services Committee, has had classified meetings.

After meeting with Kansas military leaders, Topeka's congressmen said he is confident in the troops deployed for the Iran war who are in harm's way.

U.S. Rep. Derek Schmidt, R-Kansas, spoke with reporters after filing for reelection on March 12. He said he met with Kansas National Guard leaders the day before.

Airmen from the 190th Air Refueling Wing of the Kansas Air National Guard were deployed earlier this month in support of Operation Epic Fury. The unit has more than 900 members based at Forbes Field in Topeka and flies KC-135 tankers.

Schmidt said the Kansas Army National Guard also has troops in the Middle East, but that isn't a new deployment.

"I met with Guard leadership yesterday here in Topeka, the 190th as well as the Army Guard," Schmidt said. "We talked at some length in a classified setting about some of the particulars of what Kansas soldiers are doing in the Middle East now and Kansas airmen are doing in the Middle East now.

"I have a very high degree of confidence in both the command structure of the Kansas guard and the men and women who are deployed — and there are hundreds, as you know, from Kansas currently serving — and I'm grateful for their service. I think we need to keep them in mind in our communities. They are gone from their civilian employment. Their families are still here.

"The deployment in some cases — not every case, but some cases — came about somewhat rapidly and was therefore there was limited time to plan. Many are in harm's way."

Schmidt said he told Guard leadership, "They can count on us for 100% support whatever they need in order to make sure we bring those folks home safely."

Schmidt, who is a member of the House Armed Services Committee, believes the military is being transparent with him.

"In a classified setting, we had a very candid conversation," he said. "I feel very comfortable that I have a good handle on where they are and what they're doing."

As for deciding what information can be shared with the public, Schmidt said he will defer to the military.

The 130th Field Artillery Brigade is the Kansas Army National Guard unit involved in the Iran war. Those soldiers were deployed in July. The brigade is based in Manhattan and has subordinate battalions in Hutchinson, Hiawatha and Hays.

"Our prayers are with the family" of those Army and Air units, said Brig. Gen. Paul Schneider, who Gov. Laura Kelly has appointed as adjutant general, during a March 12 confirmation hearing with a Kansas Senate committee.