ARLINGTON, Va., - Sixteen Montana National Guard members provided security in Billings Heights today after a tornado created ripped through the town yesterday.
Soldiers from the 190th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion headquartered in Billings, Mont., were requested after the tornado, which was accompanied by golf-sized balls off hail as well as high winds and rain. The rain flooded streets turning them into rivers.
Gov. Brian Schweitzer will visit the area today and meet with state and federal officials to discuss financial assistance for the area.
Air Force Maj. Tim Crowe, the public affairs officer for the Montana National Guard said 18 Soldiers with the 195 Brigade Support Battalion (BSB) will take over the security detail later today.
The Billings Police Department requested the Guard’s assistance last night to support four checkpoints that were established to protect the most heavily damaged areas.
“Regardless of the mission, the Montana National Guard stands ready to respond; anywhere, anytime” said Crowe. “These are local Soldiers helping their neighbors.”