NATIONAL GUARD RESPONDS TO MIDWEST TORNADOES AND STORMS

The following excerpt is from the Department of Defense American Forces Press Service:

"National Guard Responds to Midwest Tornadoes

By Air Force Tech. Sgt. John Orrell
National Guard Bureau

ARLINGTON, Va., March 1, 2012 - As of 11 a.m. EDT, the National Guard had about 90 Guard members supporting civilian authorities responding to tornadoes that ripped through communities throughout the Midwest, Guard officials said today.

The twisters struck during the early morning hours yesterday, affecting Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri and Tennessee.

Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon has mobilized 50 to 60 Army Guard members from the 35th Engineer Brigade to assist the Branson, Mo., police department with nighttime security efforts, Missouri Guard officials said.

"These storms have caused extensive damage across Missouri, and widespread damage and debris continue to pose significant risk to lives and property," Nixon said. "As a result, I have ordered the Missouri National Guard to deploy citizen-soldiers and assets to support local law enforcement agencies with emergency coordination and recovery.

"Missouri's citizen-soldiers performed tremendously during disaster response efforts throughout 2011," he continued, "and I know that they will help ensure public safety."

Army Maj. Gen. Stephen Danner, Missouri's adjutant general, said his Guard members are prepared and equipped to handle anything the governor requires of the National Guard.

"Our soldiers and airmen are ready to assist their fellow Missourians," Danner said. "We served extensive state missions in 2011, and have seasoned leaders, soldiers and airmen who bring years of experience to their mission."

In addition to the Guard members mobilized, the Missouri National Guard has a total force of more than 11,500 soldiers and airmen ready to respond, he said.

The Kentucky National Guard has mobilized about 30 Guard members to LaRue County – 56 miles south of Louisville – to assist local authorities with security and traffic control efforts.

Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn has declared a state of emergency for affected counties in southern Illinois, but has not mobilized the Illinois National Guard. Illinois National Guard officials say that the Illinois Guard is ready and equipped if or when the governor makes the call.

The governors of Kansas and Tennessee have mobilized by their National Guards, but under the Emergency Management Assistance Compact, they are ready to answer the call for their citizens and their neighboring states, officials said.

(The Missouri National Guard public affairs office contributed to this report.)"

STATE DEPARTMENT OFFICIAL REVIEWING REFUGEE RESETTLEMENT PROGRAMS IN NASHVILLE

The following excerpt is from the U.S. State Department

Office of the Spokesperson

Washington, DC

February 7, 2012

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"Acting Assistant Secretary of State for Population, Refugees, and Migration (PRM) David M. Robinson will travel from February 8-9, 2012 to Nashville, Tennessee to meet with resettled refugees, refugee resettlement agencies, local and state government officials, and other community members involved in the resettlement of refugees.
Following two days of meetings, Acting Assistant Secretary Robinson will be available to the press from 10:45-11:30 a.m. on Thursday, February 9 at the Tennessee Office for Refugees, located at 21 White Bridge Road, Suite 201, in Nashville.
The U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) resettled more than 56,000 refugees in the United States in fiscal year 2011 and nearly 3 million refugees since 1975. The opportunity to meet with partner agencies in the field, and to speak directly with refugees resettled through USRAP, is the best means of ensuring that the program meets the needs of the refugees and the welcoming community."