JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., - Missouri’s commander in chief Gov. Jay Nixon activated the Missouri National Guard on Wednesday evening to provide assistance to communities in the northwest part of the state that could be affected by flooding along the Missouri River.
"My first priority is protecting the people of Missouri during this flooding emergency,” Nixon said. "I have activated the National Guard to provide help whenever and wherever it is needed to fight the flood waters, protect residents of flood-stricken communities and assist local officials and emergency responders. We will be continuously and closely monitoring this situation and take every necessary action to protect lives and property."
On Tuesday, Brig. Gen. Stephen L. Danner, adjutant general of the Missouri National Guard, accompanied the governor on his survey of the affected area. Danner said the Missouri Guard is ready to respond however the governor needs it.
“Missouri’s Citizen-Soldiers and Airmen are experienced professionals ready to respond to the governor’s call,” Danner said. “With countless overseas deployments and 17 domestic emergency missions in the past five years, we are seasoned veterans ready to meet our dual state and federal mission.”
Currently, a joint force made up of Airmen from the 139th Airlift Wing and Soldiers from the 110th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade are serving as liaison officers in Buchanan, Andrew, Holt and Atchison counties.
“Liaison officers work with county emergency operations centers, local officials and the State Emergency Management Agency to ascertain the most immediate needs of the community to protect life and property in conjunction with local and state officials,” Danner said.
A joint Army and Air engineer team is also surveying I-29, said 1st Lt. Scott Crane of the Guard’s joint operation center. In addition, they will be checking on other critical infrastructure including water and sewage facilities, Danner said.
The Guard is also prepared to assist county sheriffs with security missions as needed.
The Missouri National Guard will remain on duty until released by the Governor and local civil authorities. Any communities needing help from the Missouri National Guard should have their local civil authorities request assistance through the State Emergency Management Agency.