Politics & Government

Jefferson Barracks Soldiers Called Up For Flood Relief

Soldiers from the 70th Troop Command stationed at Jefferson Barracks will help flood relief throughout Missouri.

Gov. Jay Nixon has called up the 70th Troop Command headquartered in Jefferson Barracks for duty. The unit has been mobilized to support flash flood relief efforts in southern and southeast Missouri.

“I have directed Maj. Gen. Danner to immediately move Guard units into place where they can best help in protecting health and property,” Nixon said in a release. “The citizen-soldiers and airmen of the Missouri National Guard have demonstrated their ability to help with natural disasters numerous times over the years, most recently in the work they did before, during, and after the blizzard and .”

Approximately 200 soldiers from Jefferson Barracks will be going down to Poplar Bluff to help initial flood relief efforts. Soldiers will take on several tasks including supporting local authorities, sandbagging, monitoring levees, door-to-door safety visits, and aiding first-responders.

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Guardsmen assisted in 2008 when the area experienced heavy floods, but Missouri National Guard safety specialist Capt. Timothy Grenke said not all floods are the same.

“It’s important for our soldiers and airmen to assess all situations before conducting operations,” Grenke said. “For civilians, it is important that they have a plan and provisions in their homes and, if necessary, are ready to seek higher ground.”

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