Iowa National Guard continues to support state’s COVID-19 response

Photo By Staff Sgt. Samantha Hircock | Spc. Rylee Molter and Pfc. La’Shondra Wilson with the 294th Medical Company Area Support operate a traffic control checkpoint for a Test Iowa site at Crossroads Mall in Waterloo, Iowa, on April 29, 2020. The Soldiers were called to state active duty in order to support the state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. (U.S. Army National Guard Photo by Cpl. Samantha Hircock)  

WATERLOO, IA, UNITED STATES

05.01.2020

Story by Samantha Hircock 

135th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

Iowa National Guard Soldiers with the 294th Medical Company (Area Support) helped local health care professionals set up another Test Iowa site at the Crossroads Mall in Waterloo, Iowa, on April 29.

“[The Soldiers] have been a great support system,” said Karla Mangrich, a nurse at Unity Point Health. “It makes us feel safe, the Guard being here and helping us.”

The Soldiers assisted in operating traffic control checkpoints, guiding people through the initial processing procedures at the site.

“Once they reach the area, we ask that people keep their windows up and have their IDs and QR code, that they’ll receive from TestIowa.com, ready,” said Maj. Bryan Davis, 294th MCAS commander. “Once at the site, they’ll be directed by the National Guard Soldiers where to go next.”

Participation in the set-up and coordination of the testing site is part of the continued effort of the Iowa National Guard to assist in the state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Waterloo site is the second Test Iowa site in the state to open after a similar site opened in Des Moines last week. A third Test Iowa site will open in Sioux City this coming Monday.

For more information about testing visit TestIowa.com.

• Date Taken: 05.01.2020
• Date Posted: 05.02.2020 10:56
• Story ID: 369059
• Location: WATERLOO, IA, US
• Hometown: DENVER, IA, US