DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA AND THE NATIONAL GUARD DURING HURRICANE SANDY

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Guard Provides Hurricane Response in Nation's CapitalCompiled from a District of Columbia National Guard Press Release

WASHINGTON, Oct. 30, 2012 - About 150 members of the District of Columbia National Guard are providing hurricane response aid in the nation's capital today, assisting with street closures, damage assessment and emergency response as well as manning traffic control points.

Washington officials have asked the National Guard to provide support through Nov. 4.

"We are the capital guardians, and are prepared to support the District during this time of crisis," said Maj. Gen. Errol R. Schwartz, commanding general of the District of Columbia National Guard. "We will provide timely effective responses coordinated with local and federal agencies in the aftermath of this terrible storm. These are the kind of events we train for every day. We are truly always ready, always there for the citizens of the District of Columbia."

The Guard forces are organized into multi-function response packages equipped with medium tactical trucks, Humvees and guardsmen, he said. They will be deployed to locations determined through coordination with The District of Columbia Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency

"As the nation's first military responder, we have a duty to be ready to respond at a moment's notice." said Col. Aaron R. Dean, 74th Troop Command commander.