Derek Schmidt

U.S. Rep. Derek Schmidt offered prayers for the Kansas soldiers deployed in the Middle East.

While covering an event April 2, The Capital-Journal asked the 2nd District Republican congressman about the conflict with Iran.

"We have Kansas soldiers and soldiers with Kansas units who are in harm's way," Schmidt said. "They are fighting America's battles both on the ground and in the air in the Middle East. I spoke this morning with the adjutant general and had a chance to come up to speed on a handful of details and anticipate getting a further non-public classified update relatively soon.

"So, we're keeping a very close eye on them, keeping everybody in our prayers and anxious to get them all home safe."

Schmidt's comment comes one day after President Donald Trump's address to the nation about the Iranian conflict on April 1. During his speech, he gave no definite answer on when U.S. troops would return home.

Nearly five weeks ago, the United States and Israel conducted joint airstrikes on Iran, thousands of people have been killed and tens of thousands have been injured across the Middle East. Most recently a search and rescue operation was underway April 3 to find a U.S. fighter jet that was downed over Iran.

Kansas soldiers deploy to the Middle East

Kansas has two units deployed to the Middle East as part of Operation Epic Fury.

In March, Airmen from the 190th Air Refueling Wing of the Kansas Air National Guard were deployed. The unit has more than 900 members based at Forbes Field in Topeka and flies KC-135 tankers.

The 130th Field Artillery Brigade of the Kansas Army National Guard is also 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.