Photo By Sgt. Tyrone Williams | Mayor Muriel Bowser conducts a press conference on the status of the snow storm and...... read more read more
WASHINGTON – As winter awakens the nation’s capital with 22 inches of snow, more than 170 D.C. Guard members responded to the call of duty Jan 22. The principal mission was to provide transportation support to emergency management agencies throughout the district.
In support of this state of emergency also known as Winter Storm Jonas, one High Mobility Multi-Wheeled Vehicle (Humvee) and a two-man team were positioned at each police and fire-station to assist with efficiently responding to urgent calls. These teams of Soldiers and Airmen worked 12-hour shifts ensuring 24-hour availability to the D.C. Metro Police Department (MPD) and Fire and Emergency Medical Services (FEMS).
Over 50 tactical vehicles were used to support the various needs during the snow storm. In addition to a Humvee at each of the 16 stations, Light Medium Tactical Vehicles (LMTV) were used to transport supplies to first-aid stations, and food to shelters and satellite shelter locations. The Department of Human Services (DHS) requested guardsmen support to ensure the availability of meals with no nutritional compromise, and sufficient aid and care to the community.
“In order for a transportation mission such as this to be a success, it takes flexibility, focus, and being in the right place at the right time with the right equipment,” stated Capt. J. Scott Crawford, D.C. National Guard Joint Task Force mission commander and 25 year veteran to law enforcement.
The snow storm is the largest of continuous snow fall that the district has ever seen. In the midst, guard members completed multiple deliveries of supplies and food for DHS, assisted MPD and FEMS with more than 80 responses to emergency calls and provided various intermediate assistance en-route to each location; namely, ensuring that citizens get to and from their destinations safely.
“It's about coming together and completing one mission which is to protect and serve,” said Sergeant Kenneth Rambo, firefighter, Fire Department Engine 8.
One particular piece of the duty was to drive the D.C. Mayor, Muriel Bowser, her staff and security to multiple locations for the duration of the snow storm.
“I know it's our job to protect our community, but I never thought I would get the opportunity as a guardsman to personally be assigned to drive the mayor, expressed Sgt. Demaro McFarlane, D.C. Army National Guard recruiter. “It’s amazing.”
At the conclusion of duty, Bowser held a press conference at the D.C. National Guard Armory with her government partners to educate the district on the progress of recovery efforts. There, she thanked Major General Errol Schwartz, commanding general, and his guardsmen for their hospitality and professional support to the recovery during the 36-hour dig out. “Let’s hear it for our troops,” Bowser said.
| Date Taken: | 01.25.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 01.25.2016 15:15 |
| Story ID: | 186990 |
| Location: | WASHINGTON, DC, US |
| Web Views: | 311 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
This work, DC Guard responds to winter’s awakening; Winter Storm Jonas, by 1SG Khalia Jackson, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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