Fierce Planet

Just remember to mention that the National Guard is on the ground as we speak, and has been there the whole time, working to provide relief.

http://www.defenselink.mil/news/Aug2005/20050829_2559.html

"National Guard Responds to Hurricane Katrina
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 29, 2005 – Thousands of National Guard troops from Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama were on duty today as Hurricane Katrina hammered New Orleans, Gulfport, Miss., and other points on the Gulf Coast with 145-mph winds and torrential rains.

The Louisiana National Guard had called almost 3,500 of its members to state active duty as of 7 a.m. today to assist in missions ranging from assisting law enforcement agencies with traffic control and security; transporting and distributing food, water and ice, conducting searches and rescues; providing generator support; and carrying out other missions to protect life and property.

On Aug. 28, Louisiana Guardsmen conducted security and screening at the emergency shelter set-up at the New Orleans Superdome, where a reported 9,000 to 10,000 local residents reported after heeding the city's mandatory evacuation order issued earlier in the day.

As Katrina threatened to flood the low-lying city with water from the Mississippi River and Lake Ponchartrain, other Louisiana Guardsmen were setting up other shelters, helping state police with evacuations and preparing to support relief operations in the hurricane's aftermath.

Army Lt. Col. Pete Schneider reported a successful evacuation from the city, crediting the Louisiana Guard's partners in neighboring states for carrying out "a coordinated effort" that incorporated lessons learned from past evacuations."

Absolutely! And their work is essential.

And often unreported and underappreciated.

Very true.