Illinois National Guard Troops Fight the Clock to Save Lives and Property As Flood Waters Rise

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SPRINGFIELD, IL (04/29/2011)(readMedia)-- As southern Illinois residents brace for flooding, Illinois National Guard members are working to protect the communities they live in.

The Illinois National Guard has mustered approximately 325 troops from across southern and central areas of the state in record time. These forces are now working to save lives and protect property.

The Illinois National Guard operates in support of the Illinois Emergency Management Agency in the aid of flood relief efforts in the southern areas of Illinois on the Ohio and Mississippi rivers.

The majority of the troops being activated come from the 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team's 2nd Battalion, 130th Infantry Regiment. 2nd Battalion, 130th Infantry Regiment is headquartered in Marion, with subordinate units in West Frankfort, Effingham, Litchfield and Salem.

Mobilized State Active Duty Troops
Approx. # of Troops Mission Location
90 Sandbag Fill, Levee Maintenance

Cairo
60 Levee Patrol, Traffic Control

Shawneetown
50 Sandbag Fill, Levee Maintenance Metropolis
50 Sandbag Fill, Levee Maintenance

Anna
10 Traffic Control Rt. 149 near Big Muddy River
10 Levee Patrol

Brookport

*** Approx. 55 other Illinois National Guard troops are deployed throughout state in various support roles.

photo 1 - U.S Army Photo by Sgt. Charlie Helmholt, 139th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment/ Illinois Adjutant General Maj. Gen. William Enyart of Belleville, speaks during a press conference with (left to right) Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn, Ameren-Illinois Vice President of Operations Ron Tate, Illinois Lt. Gov. Sheila Simon and Illinois State Fire Marshal Lawrence Matkaitis April 28 at the unified area command in Marion. Approximately 325 Illinois National Guard troops have been mobilized to aid flood relief efforts in the southern area of Illinois.