Gov. Blagojevich prepared to help Texas as Hurricane Dean approaches  Send a link to a friend

Illinois National Guard sends two helicopters, eight aviators to Austin in advance of major hurricane

[August 21, 2007]  SPRINGFIELD -- Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich announced Monday that two helicopters and crew members from Illinois have been sent to Texas in advance of a major hurricane that could hit the state this week, and he has put other Illinois resources on standby to assist Texas emergency officials if needed. The governor said Illinois Army National Guard airmen along with two aircraft were deployed by the federal government for a training exercise. In response to a request from Texas through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact, the governor has alerted the airmen to stand by in Austin, Texas, prepared to support Hurricane Dean relief efforts.

Eight aviators from B Company, 2nd Battalion, 238th General Support Aviation Battalion left Illinois Monday, taking with them two CH-47 Chinook helicopters in preparation for Hurricane Dean.

Hurricane Dean will be in the Gulf of Mexico by Tuesday and, depending on its track, could affect portions of Texas by Wednesday. Illinois military assets, along with assets from South Carolina, Oklahoma, Georgia, Missouri, Pennsylvania, New Mexico, Kansas, Colorado, Ohio and Kentucky, are prepared to assist Texas and surrounding areas affected by the hurricane as needed.

"The Illinois Guard shares the responsibility of assisting other states during natural disasters. We are prepared to continue supporting both the global war on terror while also providing assistance to stateside missions," said Maj. Gen. Randal Thomas, adjutant general of the Illinois National Guard. "Our Guardsmen are fully prepared to answer their call for duty."

The soldiers will deploy for seven days but are prepared for extensions as needed to support relief efforts.

[Text from file received from the Illinois Office of Communication and Information]

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