NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Soldiers and Airmen from the Tennessee National Guard were activated to help victims and first responders in the aftermath of the tornado that struck Davidson, Wilson, and Putnam counties early March 3.
Personnel from the Tennessee Air Guard’s 118th Mission Support Group, based at Berry Field, moved 2-100KW generators to support a water treatment facility in Jackson County. The generators restore power to critical infrastructure, while permanent power is unavailable.
More than 60 Soldiers with the 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment’s 2nd Squadron from the National Guard armory in Cookeville are supporting state and local police with traffic control. Additionally, a military police company will be helping.
During emergencies, the Tennessee National Guard responds to requests from local and state emergency management agencies to assist. Tennessee National Guard members train for a variety of emergencies, including responding to devastating tornadoes.
“Plain and simple, we have 12,000 Soldiers and Airmen that are citizens of this state serving in the National Guard. We will make every last one of those available to our communities on an as-needed basis,” said Maj. Gen. Jeff Holmes, Tennessee’s adjutant general. “We’re available, we are actively engaged, and this is why our Soldiers and Airmen wear the uniform.”
At least two dozen people were killed when the tornado struck and numerous others are missing.