ARLINGTON, Va. - More than 600 Citizen-Soldiers and Airmen in Missouri, Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas have been called out in response to the latest in a series of severe winter storms to blanket the Midwest with snow and ice.
Missouri was among the hardest hit states during the holiday weekend. More than 300,000 homes lost power. As a result, approximately 400 members of the Missouri National Guard have been called on for assistance.
"With the power outages and the ice, Gov. Matt Blunt wants to make sure all Missourians are kept safe in difficult situations," said Capt. Tammy Spicer, a Missouri Guard spokesman.
The Guardmembers have been focusing primarily on debris removal, providing power generation equipment and performing health and welfare checks throughout Missouri, said Spicer. Efforts by the National Guard are being concentrated in the southern part of the state which was hardest hit by the storms.
In Texas, Guard troops responded in a similar fashion, ensuring roadways remained safe and passable. At times that involved assisting stranded motorists and using Humvees to pull vehicles from roadways and other areas, said Chief Master Sgt. Gonda Moncada, a Texas Guard spokesperson.
That was in addition to other duties.
"We had an inauguration today," said Moncada on Jan. 16, referring to the swearing in of Gov. Rick Perry, despite freezing rain. "And we had National Guardsmen involved in that. Name it, and we’re there."
That Guard presence has brought a calming affect to many of those affected by the storm.
"When people are in a situation like this, I think when someone in uniform shows up it gives a sense of safety in a difficult time," said Spicer.
Others agreed.
"They welcome us with open arms," said Moncada. "It some ways, it’s gotten to the point of if there is something wrong, call the Guard. They'll help."