Pennsylvania Army National Guard Sends Helicopters, Crew To Texas

ANNVILLE, Pa., Sept. 1, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Governor Tom Wolf announced that ten soldiers from the Pennsylvania Army National Guard departed today in two Pennsylvania CH-47 Chinook helicopters to join hurricane relief efforts in Texas.

The soldiers departed from Muir Army Airfield at Fort Indiantown Gap this morning and are flying to Grand Prairie airport near Dallas, TX. Upon arrival, they will integrate with the thousands of National Guard members and first responders already on site. Potential missions for the aircraft and crew include delivering cargo items such as food and water to stranded citizens and providing emergency transportation for those in need.

"Our thoughts are with the residents of Texas and all those impacted as they cope with the after effects of this devastating storm," said Wolf. "I'm proud of our National Guard and first responders who are able to offer support to the citizens of Texas. We're ready and willing to offer additional support as needed."

These ten Pennsylvania National Guard soldiers will join our six Airmen, who already deployed earlier this week. The PA National Guard anticipates sending over 200 more guardsmen through this weekend.

"Our Guardsmen have joined efforts with numerous other states to serve our fellow citizens in Texas," said Maj. Gen. Tony Carrelli, Pennsylvania's adjutant general. "This is what we train for; this is why America has a National Guard. The Pennsylvania National Guard stands ready to support our commonwealth and nation whenever and wherever we are needed."

MEDIA CONTACT: Major Angela King-Sweigart, 717-861-6254

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs

Related Links

http://www.dmva.state.pa.us