Alabama National Guard Increases Numbers for Tornado Response

MONTGOMERY (04/29/2011)(readMedia)-- The Alabama National Guard has now increased the state active duty call up of Soldiers and Airmen to more than 1,500 in response to Wednesday's record tornadoes across the state. The Guardsmen are across the northern and central parts of the state with high concentration in the Tuscaloosa, Birmingham and Cullman areas.

"We are working around the clock to make sure we support the governor and the Alabama Emergency Management Agency to assist the citizens of Alabama in the wake of these terrible storms," said Maj. Gen. Perry G. Smith, Adjutant General of the Alabama National Guard. "The National Guard can offer unique capabilities and highly trained personnel; these Guardsmen have worked disasters before and I have all the confidence in the world in them to continue to do the fine job they always do."

As assessments and requests for assistance continue to come in, the Alabama Guard will continue to support state and local officials with whatever is required. To date, the Alabama Guard has assisted with various forms of support to include transportation, road clearing, security and aviation support as tasked by the Alabama Emergency Management Agency.

-30-

Cutline: Alabama National Guard Soldiers with the 877th Forward Support Command out of Northport man a traffic control point in the Holt area, near Tuscaloosa Thursday. Members of the 877th were among the more than1,500 Alabama Guardmembers called to duty after tornadoes devastated the state April 27.

Release #2011042901

Posted Friday April 29, 2011 at 04:39 pm by Alabama National Guard
Last Updated Saturday April 30, 2011 at 08:15 am