Governor Blunt Calls Out Nearly 700 National Guardsmen and Women to Help Battle Flood

FROM THE OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR

June 18, 2008

Contact: Jessica Robinson, 573-751-0290


JEFFERSON CITY  Gov. Matt Blunt praised the nearly 700 Missouri National Guard Soldiers and Airmen now supporting flood response efforts on the upper Mississippi River.

"Missouri is blessed with a highly skilled and effective National Guard well qualified and prepared to support their follow Missourians during times of need," Gov. Blunt said. "The dedication exhibited by these men and women as they selflessly work to keep our state and our country safe is truly remarkable."

The Missouri National Guard has a total force of more than 11,500 Citizen-Soldiers and Airmen, with approximately 1,800 Guard members deployed in support of the Global War on Terrorism. The vast majority of the force is available and ready to respond if needed.

"The Missouri National Guard has a trained, disciplined force ready to meet the challenge of the rising waters," said Maj. Gen. King Sidwell, adjutant general of the Missouri National Guard. "Every time the Missouri National Guard is called, we have responded quickly, with the personnel and resources necessary to help the citizens of Missouri."

Within the states borders, Missouri National Guard Citizen-Soldiers and Airmen are currently mobilized in the communities of Clarksville, Hannibal Canton, West Quincy, LaGrange, Winfield and Alexandria. They are assisting with sandbagging operations, levee monitoring and manning traffic control points.

The Guard has also established a quick reaction force of 100 Guard members, ready to respond quickly where and when they are needed. Guard liaison officers are working with officials in Clark, Lewis, Marion, Ralls, Pike and Lincoln counties.

The Guard is also making preparation for potential flooding downriver. The Missouri National Guard has posted liaison officers in St. Louis and St. Charles Counties and cities, and the counties of Jefferson, St. Genevieve and Perry in anticipation of needs on the lower Mississippi River.

The Missouri National Guard has been called to state emergency duty 11 times since 2006. Missions have included summer and winter storm relief, tornado recovery and flood response.

Missouri National Guard units supporting the flood response efforts include the 1438th Engineer Company (Bridge), from Macon and Kirksville; the 1138th Transportation Company, from Jefferson Barracks; the 1035th Maintenance Company, from Jefferson Barracks; the 735th Quartermaster Company, located in DeSoto, Poplar Bluff, Jefferson City, Cape Girardeau, Rolla and Jefferson Barracks; 3175th Chemical Company, St. Peters; 220th Engineer Company, Festus; 880th Equipment Support Platoon, Perryville; the 835th Combat Support Sustainment Battalion, in Jefferson City; 1140th Engineer Battalion, Cape Girardeau; 131st Fighter Wing, St. Louis; and 70th Troop Command, Jefferson Barracks.

The current mobilizations are a result of an executive order signed by Gov. Blunt last week. The Citizen-Soldiers and Airmen will remain on duty until released by local authorities and the governor.