ROBINSON MAEUVER TRAINING CENTER, Ark. - The Arkansas National Guard continues to respond to requests for support in several counties throughout flood affected areas of the state. More than 300 soldiers and airmen are currently providing security, traffic management and evacuation operation support.
In Woodruff County, along the flooded White River, small towns and farming comunities are being affected by historic levels of water. Near Cotton Plant, members of the Arkansas Army National Guard's 77th Theater Aviation Brigade are assisting civil authorities with filling, transporting and placing sandbags in affected areas.
As the Mississippi River crest flows southward, Arkansas communities on the west side are preparing for the worst. As part of a concerted effort by state emergency managers, Arkansas National Guard Troops and equipment are being moved into Chicot County, near Lake Village, Ark.
Approximately 70 soldiers and 30 airmen are deploying, and taking along a special Disaster Relief Beddown System, to conduct levy patrols and other services as needed. This marks the Arkansas Guard's 56th State Active Duty mission for fiscal year 2011.
In addition to the soldiers and airmen lending support throughout the state, approximately 350 Guard soldiers are deployed in support of operations overseas.