Western Nebraska Guard Unit Heading
South for Hurricane Rita Relief
(Lincoln, NE) Soldiers from the Nebraska Army National Guard's 1057th Transportation Company based in Chadron and Scottsbluff and soldiers from the 1074th Transportation Company based in North Platte are being mobilized to provide aid in the aftermath of Hurricane Rita, Gov. Dave Heineman announced today.
"People from across our state have stepped forward to help our countrymen in their time of need, and their efforts are appreciated," the Governor said.
Approximately 40 citizen-soldiers from the 1057th, roughly one-third of the unit, as well as an additional 20 soldiers from the Guard’s 1074th, will depart tomorrow for Louisiana. The soldiers’ missions may include search and rescue, food and water distribution, security operations, support of law enforcement and assisting emergency shelters.
Their mission is expected to last 31 days, but may be extended to 45 days if necessary. The current mobilization brings the total number of Nebraska Air and Army National Guard troops mobilized in support of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita to 212.
PLEASE NOTE: Federal Emergency Management Agency officials have not yet notified Nebraska of whether it will request temporary shelter here for Hurricane Rita evacuees or sheltering space for additional evacuees of Hurricane Katrina.
