Louisiana National Guard assists with the re-entry of evacuated residents

By Sgt. Michael L. Owens
241st Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

NEW ORLEANS- A Louisiana Army National Guard Soldier greets a New Orleans resident at the Union Passenger Terminal as he returns from Memphis, Tn. by train after being evacuation from the city prior to the arrival of Hurricane Gustav, September 5, 2008. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Michael L. Owens, 241st Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)
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NEW ORLEANS (09/05/2008) - On Sept. 5, the Louisiana National Guard assisted with the re-entry of New Orleans residents who evacuated by bus or train at the Union Passenger Terminal prior to the arrival of Hurricane Gustav.

Their duties included helping the New Orleans Police Department and other local law enforcement agencies with providing security in and around the terminal and directing residents to the proper staging areas where they were provided transportation to their neighborhoods.

“We just want this process to go very smoothly,” said Louisiana Army National Guard Maj. John Demartini, officer-in–charge of the Union Passenger Terminal.  “The people (residents) are very tired and we want to make sure that they get home as quickly as possible.”

On Saturday, Aug. 13, nearly 18,000 residents evacuated the city by buses or trains that were provided by the government.