January 29, 2009
Gov. Nixon deploys 50 additional National Guard soldiers to aid recovery efforts in southeast Missouri
Gov. Nixon visits with a volunteer at a Red Cross warming center in Kennett.
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – One day after mobilizing 100 Missouri National Guard Soldiers to respond to this week's winter storm in southeast Missouri, Gov. Jay Nixon has added 50 additional Soldiers to the mission.
"Keeping Missouri families safe during this disaster situation is our top priority," Gov. Nixon said. "My office will be working around the clock with the National Guard and all our emergency response agencies to provide medical care, housing and other services to Missourians in the affected communities. State and local authorities and community groups are working together to help get power and vital services up and running again."
The Guardsmen are supporting local authorities in a wide range of missions throughout the region. These missions include route clearance in Charleston, Portageville and Sikeston. In the cities of Sikeston and Malden, and the counties of Ripley, Dunklin and Butler, Guardsman are going door to door to make sure citizens have the supplies they need and know where the nearest aid facility is located.
"As the situation develops, the National Guard will continue to provide local authorities and communities the support they need to recover," said Brig. Gen. Stephen L. Danner, adjutant general of the Missouri National Guard. "Our Soldiers will work tirelessly to get these communities back on their feet."
The Citizen-Soldiers were mobilized under the authority of Gov. Jay Nixon on Wednesday. The Guardsmen will stay on duty until relieved by the governor and local authorities.