National Guard joins tornado recovery effort

NEW ORLEANS – The Louisiana National Guard conducted operations supporting communities around the state after a severe storm system produced damaging tornadoes, Dec. 14.

In total, the Guard provided 16,200 bottles of water and more than 2,000 tarps to Iberia, Jefferson, Orleans, St. Charles, and Union parishes through the evening of Dec. 16.

The 165th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 139th Regional Support Group contributed more than 20 soldiers to the mission. Operations included inventorying and loading commodities at state warehouses, transporting tarps and water, and unloading commodities at drop-off locations.

The Guard also sent engineer assessment teams to survey damage in affected parishes.

Louisiana’s National Guard service members are trained, ready and equipped to stand up at any moment to protect lives and property, maintain communications and ensure the continuity of operations and government, the Guard said in a press release.