Eds: APNewsNow.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) A 21-member National Guard unit that's based in Rapid City has been sent to Kosovo.

Members of Company C, 1st Battalion of the 189th Aviation Regiment are providing medical evacuation flights for NATO's Kosovo Force.

The aviation unit was activated in March for a 12-month tour in support of peacekeeping operations.

The unit includes pilots, flight medics, crew chiefs and flight operations specialists.

This is the Guard unit's third deployment to Europe since 2002.

Information from: Argus Leader, http://www.argusleader.com (Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 07-23-08 0751CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list