Iowa Guard helping in Louisiana

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By Times Staff | Sunday, August 31, 2008 8:12 PM CDT | () comments

Five National Guard soldiers and a helicopter based at Mount Joy, Iowa, have arrived in Louisiana to help with the support of operations for the arrival of Hurricane Gustav.

Five soldiers from Company B, 2nd Battalion, 211th General Support Aviation Battalion, Iowa Army National Guard and one CH-47 Chinook heavy-lift helicopter based at Mount Joy arrived Saturday at Esler Field, Camp Beauregard, La.

About 245 Iowa National Guard soldiers and airmen are currently providing support for Hurricane Gustav relief operations.

The aircraft and crew will provide airlift capabilities for search and rescue, evacuation of residents, transportation of supplies and equipment, and other missions as requested.

Other troops based out of Johnston, Sheldon, Sioux City, and Fort Dodge, Iowa, also are being dispatched.

Illinois National Guard also has activated three helicopters crews to head to the Gulf Coast.

State officials say the crews were to depart Decatur on Sunday for Louisiana. Governor Rod Blagojevich's office says the crews were requested by Louisiana through a mutual aid agreement.