FLORIDA, USA — The Arkansas National Guard announced that they will send over 100 guardsmen to Florida in order to help with Hurricane Milton recovery efforts.
The guardsmen will work alongside the Florida National Guard in response to anticipated damage from the hurricane. The group will be in Florida for 17 days, which includes travel time to and from Florida.
According to the Arkansas National Guard, the guardsmen began reporting for personnel processing, equipment pickup, and vehicle inspections on Wednesday.
“Thank you to the selfless and brave 100 Arkansas Guardsmen, some of our state’s finest, on their way to Florida ahead of Hurricane Milton,” said Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders.
While in Florida, the guardsmen from Arkansas are expected to play several roles including providing security, traffic control, and commodities distribution.
The Arkansas guardsmen will depart from the Natural State on Oct. 11 and convoy. “Serving our state and nation is what Guard members do," said Brig. Gen Chad Bridges, Arkansas adjutant general. "The citizens of Florida need assistance after Hurricane Helene and now Milton, and Arkansas Guard members are eager and willing to help."