POCAHONTAS, Ark. — Soldiers from the Arkansas National Guard's 87th Troop Command, headquartered on Robinson Maneuver Training Center in North Little Rock, are supporting five State Active Duty missions during the flooding crisis. These troops are conducting traffic control points, roving patrols and refueling missions in Lawrence, Randolph and Clay Counties.
"Our Soldiers are there to assist local authorities in getting people to evacuate the affected areas," said Col. Damon Cluck, the Arkansas National Guard director of military support. "It was determined that we had the resources and people to help out, so we started receiving missions from the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management."
"We have the skill sets, the training and the equipment needed to go in and support the local authorities," said Cluck.
Soldiers with the 87th Troop Command based on Camp Robinson aided in responding to the calls for support.
Soldiers are also assisting law enforcement with providing security in the affected areas.
"We want residents to obey the evacuation warnings issued by local judges so we are helping to provide security in the affected areas," said Cluck.
The Black River is expected to crest tomorrow by the actual time that is to occur has been revised at least two times.
"It's a good feeling to know that we are there because we're also citizens of this state and live in these communities," said Cluck. "There's nothing we like better than to render assistance and aid to our fellow Arkansans."