Illinois National Guard Servicemembers Conclude Day 2 of Storm Assistance

Troops Work Closely with Illinois State Police to Help Stranded Motorists

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SPRINGFIELD, IL (02/02/2011)(readMedia)-- Thirty-six hours after the Illinois National Guard was mobilized for a snow emergency, more than 500 servicemembers continued to assist the Illinois State Police rescue stranded motorists across the state on Feb. 2.

The first phase of operations pushed the troops to more than 20 rest stops from Interstate 70 near St. Louis north to Chicago, where they were able to strategically position themselves to best help those in need. Much of the Illinois National Guard manpower that was initially stationed in southern and central Illinois was pushed to the Chicago area on day two to assist the northern part of the state receiving a heavier blast of snow and ice.

Illinois State Police and Illinois National Guard Soldiers also worked closer together as they teamed up on many occasions to get people to safety.

"Everyone has been so appreciative of the help we have been able to provide," said Staff Sgt. Tyler Detwiler of Flanagan, a member of Troop A, 106th Cavalry in Pontiac.

Detwiler is part of an Illinois National Guard team stationed on Interstate 80 near Morris helping stranded motorists. He said his team, along with the Illinois State Police, gave rides to motorists, stopped to make sure no one was in stranded vehicles, marked vehicles that were empty to make sure no one else was put in danger checking them and provided food and water to those in need.

"The Illinois State Police deserve a lot of credit for everything they have done," Detwiler said. "It has been a solid team effort."

In just over seven years in the Illinois Army National Guard, Detwiler has served a tour in Iraq and a tour in Afghanistan. This is his second mobilization in support of a snow emergency in Illinois. Detwiler was one of approximately 250 Soldiers activated in December 2006 to assist local authorities checking on residents in the Decatur area after an ice storm blanketed central Illinois. Detwiler has also been recognized as one of the top Soldiers in the Illinois Army National Guard, nominated for this year's Illinois National Guard Sergeant of the Year award.

Operations are expected to continue on Feb. 3, with Illinois National Guard members on duty until Gov. Pat Quinn deems their assistance no longer necessary.

Photo 1- Photo by Spc. Dan LoGrasso, 139th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment/ Illinois National Guard members work with Illinois State Troopers to move a stranded sem-truck, Feb. 2, on Interstate 72, near Pittsfield. The Illinois National Guard worked with troopers to assist stranded motorists after Gov. Pat Quinn called approximately 500 Illinois National Guard members to state active duty for a winter weather emergency Feb 1.

Photo 2- Photo by Spc. Dan LoGrasso, 139th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment/ Spc. Steven O'Hearn of Quincy with the 1844th Transportation Company based in Quincy, Ill., discusses travel plans with Sgt. James Fry of Springfield, a member of the 3637th Maintenance Company based in Springfield, Feb. 2, on Interstate 72, near Pittsfield, while Spc. Joshua Pfeiler of Springfield monitors traffic. The Illinois National Guard worked with troopers to assist stranded motorists after Gov. Pat Quinn called approximately 500 Guard members to state active duty for a winter weather emergency.

Photo 3- Photo by Spc. Dan LoGrasso, 139th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment/ Staff Sgt. Rick Ensley of Quincy, with the 1844th Transportation Company based in Quincy, Ill., discusses an extraction plan with Illinois State Trooper Brandon Douglas, Feb. 2, on Interstate 72, near Pittsfield. The Illinois National Guard worked with troopers to assist stranded motorists after Gov. Pat Quinn called approximately 500 Guard members to state active duty for a winter weather emergency.

***UPDATED VIDEO AND PHOTOS AVAILABLE AT THE LINKS BELOW***

For video and updated photos: http://www.dvidshub.net/units/JFHQ-ILPAO

http://www.dvidshub.net/units/139MPAD

For high resolution photos, please contact the Illinois National Guard Public Affairs Office at ngilstaffpao@ng.army.mil

For additional photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/illinoisnationalguard

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