Arkansas Guard supporting community of Mena in wake of tornado

MENA, Ark. - Approximately 50 Soldiers, primarily with the Arkansas National Guard's 39th Infantry Brigade Combat Team are currently supporting the community here after a tornado struck the town last night.

Approximately 30 arrived on the scene last night to assist civil authorities with house by house search for personnel. The search continued this morning as the sun came up and was complete by approximately 11 a.m. The Guard's mission shifted to security in order to assist the civil authorities in keeping traffic and sightseers out of the affected areas.

Along with security, search and rescue, the Guard was also called upon to deliver packaged meals and 160 cots and blankets to the community.

The community of Dierks also reached out for Guard support with a need for potable water. The Guard responded with the delivery of a full 5,000 gallon water tanker.

While 2008 was a record year for the Arkansas Guard with 81 calls for stateside support, 2009 has already broken that record with today's missions marking 92 for the fiscal year.