N.C. National Guardsmen Called for Winter Storm Support

RALEIGH, NC (12/26/2010)(readMedia)-- North Carolina National Guard Soldiers were called to State Active Duty yesterday to assist in winter storm operations.

Thirty-four Soldiers reported last night to armories in Butner, Rocky Mount, Elizabeth City, Winterville and Mount Olive, N.C. Soldiers will prepare to help provide transportation, recovery, or other missions as required by N.C. Emergency Management and emergency response officials.

Each location will have two HUMVEEs and four Guardsmen to assist in operations. Additional Soldiers will be on duty maintain armories for the HUMVEE teams. The HUMVEE teams, mainly from the 514th and 1132nd Military Police Companies of 60th Troop Command, are based out of Winterville and Rocky Mount respectively. However, support personnel from the 113th Sustainment Brigade and 130th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade will open armories for the teams. All Guardsmen arrived at National Guard Armories last night around 9:00pm and will prepare for upcoming operations. How long the Guardsmen stay on duty will depend on the need, but Soldiers are preparing to stay on duty for three days.

In December 2009, and January of this year, about 50 Guardsmen in were called to assist the N.C. State Highway Patrol, rescuing stranded motorists and transporting them to safety. The Guard has mobilized for numerous winter storms and brings a great deal of knowledge and expertise to these types of operations. State duty missions are coordinated through N.C. Emergency Management.

Members of the media interested in covering North Carolina National Guard's support can contact the Public Affairs Office at (919) 612-5061. You can also friend us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/NCNationalGuard or follow us on Twitter at @NCNationalGuard.