Minnesota Guard Troops, Airmen Heading to Help Irma Victims
UNDATED -- Several Minnesota Air National Guard Airmen and National Guard Soldiers are down south helping in Hurricane Irma relief efforts.
This past weekend, the Minnesota Air National Guard sent 41 airmen to support the efforts. The 41 airmen are from 133rd Airlift Wing in St. Paul. Fourteen of those airmen are trained in emergency medical evacuation and are on standby at Scott Air Force Base in Illinois.
The rest of the unit are on St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands where they are helping recovery in the aftermath of Irma.
Governor Mark Dayton says he's extremely proud of our National Guard Soldiers and Airmen.
"I thank Major General Nash for his leadership and the soldier who will provide assistance in Hurricane Irma response and relief efforts. I encourage all Minnesotans who are able to help to do so. Minnesota stands ready to assist those affected by Hurricane Irma in any way we are able."
The 34th Combat Aviation Brigade from St. Cloud are sending six soldiers and one Chinook Helicopter to provide transportation and recovery help, they will be in Jacksonville, Florida on Tuesday.
That unit recently sent two helicopters to Texas for five days in response to Hurricane Harvey, where they flew six missions moving almost 30,000 pounds of cargo.