Alabama National Guard supports winter storm response in Alabama

MONTGOMERY, AL (01/10/2011)(readMedia)-- The Alabama National Guard is currently conducting defense support to civil authorities operations in support of the state's response to the winter storm. Following Gov. Riley's January 9 state of emergency declaration, elements of the National Guard were ordered to state active duty to assist the Alabama Emergency Management Agency (AEMA).

Currently, the Alabama Guard is providing liaison officers to the Alabama Emergency Management Agency and various county EMAs, as well as transportation support in hard-hit areas. The Guard has responded to more than 30 requests for assistance in counties across central and north Alabama.

The Alabama Guard conducts these missions in response to tasking from the Alabama Emergency Management Agency. This is the Guard's state mission and Alabama Guardsmen are proudly supporting their fellow citizens. The Soldiers and Airmen responding to the storm will be on state active duty as long as the governor requests it and as long as the citizens need assistance. The support so far has included around 75 Soldiers and Airmen from across the state. Guardsmen across the state stand ready, as always, to fulfill our state mission of providing assistance in time of need.

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