Alabama Guard still heavily engaged in tornado response

By Alabama National Guard Public AffairsMay 5, 2011

Tornado debris
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (Army News Service, May 5, 2011) -- Little more than a one week following the April 27, 2011, tornadoes that ripped across much of the central and northern parts of Alabama, the National Guard is still heavily engaged in assisting the storms' victims with more than 2,700 Soldiers and Airmen called to duty.

"Our Alabama National Guard is working tirelessly to provide security and assist with transportation and distribution of aid," said Alabama Governor Robert Bentley in a speech to a joint session of the Alabama Legislature, May 3, 2011.

"I can tell you I have never been more proud to be an Alabamian," he continued. "Since this tragedy, we have seen the true character of our state. Alabamians care about one another. We take care of each other."

The Guard continues to help the residents throughout the affected area recover from the devastating tornadoes by patrolling streets to prevent looting, providing power to critical infrastructure that is still without commercial electricity, and distributing meals, ready-to-eat along with ice and water. The Air Guard continues to conduct aerial search and recovery efforts.

The Alabama Guard will continue to work directly with the Alabama Emergency Management Agency to ensure the right personnel, equipment and resources are used to support needs as directed by civil authorities, officers said.

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