General lauds efforts of Missouri's
Guardsmen
By MICHELLE REAGAN
News Tribune
Self-sufficiency, expediency and professionalism have set apart Missouri
National Guard members supporting the relief efforts following Hurricane
Katrina above other military units, Adjutant General King Sidwell
said Wednesday.
Sidwell, along with Brian Jamison, deputy director of
the Missouri Department of Public Safety, spent Monday and Tuesday
touring the destruction and reaction in the New Orleans area where
about 2,000 Missouri Guardsmen are deployed.
Although many of those serving have witnessed devastations
-- including Mid-Missouri tornadoes, the 1993 flood and the War of
Terror -- Sidwell said the widespread damage from wind, water and
looting were shocking.
Because of the possible combat stress, chaplains also
have been deployed to support these troops.
Some soldiers have searched home to home, placing a
red X where bodies have been found, Sidwell said.
The Missouri units primarily have provided security.
Other support services include logistics, intelligence,
communications, medical, transportation, safety and engineering.
The soldiers were briefed on the rules of engagement.
And in some areas they have had to keep their weapon at the ready
with the magazine in.
The intimidation factor of armed soldiers in uniform
has benefited local law enforcement, Sidwell said.
Because of their dual-role, Guard and Reserve members
may provide some law enforcement support, unlike active duty military,
Sidwell noted.
"Some areas still have significant lawlessness,"
he said.
But in another area, schools have been cleaned out and
expect to resume classes Oct. 7.
"There are still some significant challenges out
there due to the flooding" such as water contamination and disease,
Sidwell noted.
Most soldiers have been staying at airports or schools.
And many have volunteered their off-duty time to local clean-up efforts
-- such as lawnwork, general building clean up, and plumbing, Sidwell
said.
"They've put their civilian-acquired skills to
use," he said.
Of the 48,000 Guard members in the Gulf Region, Missouri
has the fourth largest contingency.
Yet Sidwell assured another 6,000 Missouri Guardsmen
remain in-state if a local disaster should arise.
College students deployed last week will be brought
back to return to their studies.
The rest of the deployed Missouri Guardsmen are on up
to 45-day orders. And a second rotation is being planned.
However, Sidwell pointed out once security is restored
and contractors can begin rebuilding, the military involvement will
decrease.
Jamison added that 10 Missouri Water Patrol officers
and 56 Missouri State Highway Patrol representatives also have been
involved in the relief effort.
From this event, Missouri will glean ways to improve
its emergency preparedness, they agreed.