Army and Air Guardsmen team up to make emergency missions seamless

By: Rachel Knight
Missouri National Guard Public Affairs






SAINT JOSEPH, Mo. - Missouri Army and Air National Guardsmen have been conducting relief operations in Northwest Missouri by providing traffic control points, levee monitoring and serving as liaison officers with local emergency operations centers and civil authorities.

All Guard missions have been truly joint efforts as Airmen and Soldiers work together on their missions.

"I think it's good. It helps you learn about the people on the other side of the board," said Spc. Joshua Hughes, of the 35th Special Troops Battalion. "Most of us enlisted for the same reason to help out other people."

All Soldiers and Airmen participating in the state of emergency duty volunteered for the mission.

"I just wanted to help out," said Senior Airman Sheldon Spurgeon, of the 139th Airlift Wing's security forces. "I've been able to contribute. This is my first state emergency duty, and I thought it would be a great experience."

In Holt County, two teams are providing traffic control points to discourage extra traffic in areas that individuals are trying to move their home items out or trying to conduct work to help prevent more land loss or road erosion.

That mission made for a busy day for Hughes and Airman 1st Class Jessica McNett, of the 139th Airlift Wing in St. Joe.

"There are a lot of people trying to go to Falls City or Rulo, Nebraska," said McNett. "They are kind of upset they have to turn around and go back, but they understand."

"We are out here to help with congestion," said Spc. Tabitha Conn, of the 35th Special Troops Battalion in St. Joseph. "There's a lot going on down there. People are trying to get things cleared up and we help allow for few interruptions."

Citizen-Soldiers who were liaison officers were also paired with an Airman liaison officers. Capt. Rob Gargas, of the 35th Special Troops Battalion, said being paired with an Airman that is knowledgeable of the area made checking levees and water levels much easier.

The daily training Air Guardsmen and Citizen-Soldiers undergo are different, so when they approach a problem together, there are more options on the table, Gargas said.

All Missouri National Guard Soldiers and Airman will remain on duty until released by Gov. Jay Nixon and local civil authorities.

For more information about the Missouri National Guard, please call 1-888-GoGuard or visit www.moguard.com.

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Posted: 6/27/2010 6:08:56 PM