Air Force major missing in Haiti

Image courtesy: Bourland family/Facebook

One week ago, Maj. Ken Bourland arrived in Haiti to help represent the Air Force at a disaster relief conference. He checked into his hotel, then sent an e-mail to his wife and three children, shortly before a catastrophic 7.0 earthquake struck the island nation. His loved ones have not heard from him since.

The St. Clair Times in Alabama reports on the missing 37-year-old Birmingham native. Reporter Elsie Hodnett speaks with Bourland's mother, Adrienne, who is waiting for word with her husband, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren.

“Ken is the only one of his group still missing,” Adrienne Bourland said Monday afternoon.

She said the other four members of his group are alive, although some are injured.

Adrienne Bourland said the family was hoping to hear news of her son’s rescue Monday.

“We have not had any word today,” she said Monday afternoon. “But we always look at it as if we haven’t heard any bad news, there is hope. We have never given up hope.”

A statement released by Ken Bourland's wife, Peggy, says the family is convinced he was likely in his hotel room when the earthquake struck, due to the time his e-mail was sent. The Air Force has assured them everything possible is being done to search the rubble at the Hotel Montana. Even in one of the most difficult times a family can experience, Peggy Bourland also made sure to thank the rescue teams working to find her husband and many other missing people.

After serving a tour in Iraq, Ken Bourland's family believes he can use that experience to survive.

“Those things are useful in the situation he is in now,” she said. “It is my belief that he will remain calm and conserve his energy. He is a pretty smart fellow.”

Adrienne Bourland said the family is aware of the thoughts and prayers of the people of St. Clair County.

“We want to send our appreciation to all those who are thinking of us and praying for us,” she said.

Those prayers extend all around the country. Let's all hope Maj. Ken Bourland, who was already set to be awarded a promotion to lieutenant colonel, returns to his loving family very soon.