One week in, National Guard still heavily engaged in Alabama tornado response

Release #2011050401

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Photo by: Spc. Katherine Dowd, Alabama National Guard

MONTGOMERY (05/04/2011)(readMedia)-- One week after the April 27 tornadoes that ripped across much of the central and northern parts of Alabama, the National Guard is still heavily engaged in assisting the residents of the affected areas with more than 2,700 Soldiers and Airmen called to duty.

"Our Alabama National Guard is working tirelessly to provide security and assist with transportation and distribution of aid," said Alabama Governor Robert Bentley in a speech to a joint session of the Alabama Legislature, May 3. "I can tell you I have never been more proud to be an Alabamian," he continued. "Since this tragedy, we have seen the true character of our state. Alabamians care about one another. We take care of each other."

This is what Alabama Guardsmen continue to do in the storm-ravaged areas – take care of fellow Alabamians. The Guard continues to help the residents throughout the affected area recover from the devastating tornadoes by patrolling streets to prevent looting; providing power to critical infrastructure that is still without commercial electricity; distributing MREs (meals-ready-to-eat), ice and water at points of distribution; and flying overhead to aid in search and recovery efforts among other things.

Supporting civil authorities in times of disaster is a core competency of the National Guard and the Alabama Guard will continue to work directly with the Alabama Emergency Management Agency to ensure the right personnel, equipment and resources are utilized to support each need.

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Cutline: An American flag flies at half staff in the midst of rubble from the tornado that hit Tuscaloosa, Ala., April 27, next to a National Guard Humvee that is part of a traffic control point. Alabama National Guardsmen are working with local law enforcement to assist in traffic control around the city.

Please watch our Facebook (www.facebook.com/alabama.national.guard) for continuing updates, images, videos and links to coverage of the continuing Alabama National Guard response to the recent tornadoes.