Dozens Of Ohio Guard Members Could Deploy To West Africa

A group of soldiers from the Ohio Army National Guard is expected to go to West Africa to help fight the Ebola outbreak in the region. One-hundred thirty soldiers from the unit may deploy in April, and could be in the region for up to a year. The soldiers, part of the 16th Engineer Brigade, specialize in construction and infrastructure operations. The Ohio Army National Guard says there aren't plans for the soldiers to directly aid Ebola victims. Service members will receive training and protective equipment before deployment, and all soldiers returning from Africa will be monitored to ensure they have not contracted Ebola. Ohio Army National Guard officials expect to know more about the possible deployment later this week.