More than 1,450 Guardsmen called up in Calif.

[unhappycamper]

More than 1,450 Guardsmen called up in Calif.
By Michelle Tan - Staff writer
Posted : Wednesday Oct 24, 2007 21:42:11 EDT

At least five California Army National Guard units have been called to help local authorities fighting the devastating wildfires in the southern part of the state.

The units are 1st Squadron, 18th Cavalry Regiment of Azusa; 1st Battalion, 184th Infantry Regiment, Modesto; 40th Special Troops Battalion, San Diego; 649th Military Police Company, San Luis Obispo; and 670th MP Company, National City.

These soldiers are providing security and safety, presence patrols, protecting civilians and property, and running checkpoints and road blocks, said Sgt. Kara Greene, a public affairs specialist for the California Guard.

In addition to the soldiers, the Guard is employing six UH-60 Black Hawks, two of which are Fire Hawks designed to fight fires, and two CH-47 Chinooks, Greene said. One Chinook and one Fire Hawk are from the Nevada Guard, she said.

As of Wednesday, more than 1,450 soldiers and 10 airmen had been called to help with the wildfires.

Their duties include firefighting, security, supporting law enforcement, transportation and medical care, according to the National Guard Bureau.


Rest of article at: http://www.armytimes.com/news/2007/10/army_guardfires_071024/