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Michigan National Guard expands support of food banks

By Capt. Andrew Layton and Lt. Col. Kathryn Prater | Michigan National GuardApril 6, 2020

Michigan National Guard expands support of food banks
Soldiers from the 1433rd Engineer Company (SAPPER), 507th Engineer Battalion, 177th Military Police Brigade, Michigan Army National Guard, assist the Feeding America West Michigan food bank as part of the Michigan National Guard's coronavirus 19 disease (COVID-19) response, Comstock Park, Michigan, March 31, 2020. The Michigan Guard Soldiers assisted by packing food boxes for distribution for those in need. Guard members are trained in a number of skills for a variety of incidents, uniquely qualifying them to assist requesting agencies and communities to help safeguard the citizens of Michigan. (Photo Credit: Master Sgt. David Eichaker) VIEW ORIGINAL

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan National Guard is helping staff the Forgotten Harvest Food Bank in Royal Oak, the fifth food distribution site supported by the Guard in the state during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Approximately 10 Airmen from the 127th Wing, Selfridge Air National Guard Base, began serving at the Royal Oak site April 6. Support is expected to continue through the end of April.

Since March 30, Michigan National Guard members have been serving at Food Bank locations in Comstock Park, Ann Arbor, Pontiac, and Flint.

“This is an example of how the men and women of the Michigan National Guard are helping their communities,” said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. “They are assisting Michiganders all across this state in response to COVID-19, and I am very proud of their professionalism and commitment.”

Guard members are screened for symptoms of the coronavirus and perform their duties with personal protective equipment.

Nearly 450 Michigan National Guard members have been called to active service to aid Michigan’s response since March 18. Across nine counties, members of the Guard are helping local communities and state agencies with logistics support for medical equipment, medical screening, planning, and construction of alternate care facilities. Another 6,600 Michigan Guard members are ready to assist if needed.

“The Michigan National Guard strives to be part of the fabric of every Michigan community,” said Maj. Gen. Paul Rogers, adjutant general of the Michigan National Guard and director of the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. “Members of the Michigan National Guard live in every county of this state, and we care deeply about supporting our communities as we all respond to COVID-19.”

For more National Guard news: http://www.nationalguard.mil/

National Guard Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNationalGuard/

National Guard Twitter: https://twitter.com/usnationalguard

National Guard COVID-19 Response: https://www.nationalguard.mil/coronavirus/

Coronavirus (COVID-19): https://www.coronavirus.gov/

Latest from the CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/

COVID-19 Response: https://www.flickr.com/photos/thenationalguard/albums/72157713483827538

State Partnership Program: http://www.nationalguard.mil/Leadership/Joint-Staff/J-5/International-Affairs-Division/State-Partnership-Program/

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