National Guard Readies for Winter Storm

RALEIGH, NC (01/10/2011)(readMedia)-- North Carolina National Guard Soldiers were called to State Active Duty this afternoon to assist in winter storm operations.

Twelve Soldiers reported this evening to armories in Moore, Anson and Richmond Counties in preparation to support local authorities with transportation, recovery, or other missions as required by N.C. Emergency Management and emergency response officials.

There will be two to three HUMVEEs and four to six Guardsmen in each location to assist in operations. Additional Soldiers will be on duty to maintain armories for the HUMVEE teams. The HUMVEE teams are from the 30th Heavy Brigade Combat Team and 130th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade. The Guardsmen will stay on duty dependent on the need, but Soldiers are preparing to stay on duty for several days.

In December and January 2010, of this year, almost 50 Guardsmen 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 for all the latest information.