Air Force Master Sgt. Karen E. Horton has deployed to Southwest Asia in the Persian Gulf region to support the mission of Operation Enduring Freedom as a member of the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing.

The service member is normally assigned to the 43rd Services Squadron, Pope Air Force Base, Fayetteville, N.C.

Wing members provide support for the U.S. Central Command’s Air Forces mission, assisting in the full spectrum of fueling and aerial refueling operations to U.S. and coalition aircraft engaged in the war on terrorism in the region.

Flight crews fly thousands of combat refueling sorties delivering aircraft fuel in the millions of pounds.

Horton is a lodging manager with 18 years of military service.

She is the daughter of Judith Horton of Dr. Anderson Road, Gloster and Marlin Horton of Eltha Drive, Winston-Salem, N.C.

Her aunts are Clara Weatherspoon of Rhodes Ave., and Mary Norwood of North Dale, both of Baton Rouge, La.

The sergeant graduated in 1985 from Gloster High School, and received an associate degree in 1987 from Southwest Community College, Summit.