SPRINGFIELD – With Hurricane Irma potentially making landfall in Florida as a category four hurricane, the Illinois National Guard is preparing to send Soldiers to support Irma recovery and relief efforts.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with those in the path of Hurricane Irma. We are proud of our role to save lives and protect property when needed." said Maj. Gen. Richard J. Hayes, Jr. the Adjutant General of the Illinois National Guard. "Our Soldiers and Airmen are trained and ready to respond when called upon."
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The Illinois National Guard has been in constant communication with the National Guard Bureau, who has asked Illinois to be prepared to deploy up to 800 Soldiers to Florida, contingent on a formal request for support from Florida officials.
As of today, Sept. 8, support is only being planned, although approximately 65 Soldiers have been activated on federal orders and are preparing units to deploy if needed.
The Illinois National Guard has more than 30 Airmen already supporting hurricane response and relief efforts.
For more information on the overall Illinois National Guard hurricane relief efforts or for high resolution photos, call the Illinois National Guard Public Affairs Office at 217-761-3569 or 217-725-2265.
