Guard mobilizes after severe October snowstorm

By Army National Guard Lt. Col. James Sahady
Massachusetts National Guard

Army National Guard Spc. Seth Tuper, a combat engineer, 379th Engineer Company, 101st Engineer Battalion, Massachusetts Army National Guard, directs traffic around a tree that had fallen on Springfield Street in Wilbraham, Mass., blocking half the road and creating a potential traffic hazard on Oct. 30, 2011. As Tuper, a resident of Florida, Mass., directed traffic, other Soldiers from his unit used chain saws to quickly cut down the tree. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Jerry Saslav) (Released)
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MILFORD, Mass. (10/31/11) – Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick mobilized the Massachusetts National Guard late Saturday evening in the largest single-state response to a rare October snowstorm that dumped nearly two feet of snow in areas of Central and Western Massachusetts.

About 392 Guard members are on duty in Massachusetts after the storm, with about 40 on duty in Connecticut and a dozen in New Hampshire, according to National Guard Bureau officials.

In Massachusetts, the Guard is assisting the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency in general relief efforts across the commonwealth.

Soldiers and Airmen were called to state active duty to provide support to civil authorities in response to the winter storm conditions in order to save lives, prevent further injury and protect critical infrastructure.

The Massachusetts National Guard is providing disaster response to the citizens of the commonwealth in the aftermath of the October snowstorm. Priority will be to communities in the higher elevations of Berkshire, Franklin Hampshire, and Worcester counties. The Guard also is closely monitoring coastal communities in anticipation of high tidal surge.

“Massachusetts National Guard Soldiers and Airmen stand ready to assist the citizens of the commonwealth. I know the dedicated men and women of the Massachusetts National Guard are eager to put their training and skills to good use,” said Army Maj. Gen. Joseph C. Carter, adjutant general.

The Massachusetts National Guard’s Task Force Patriot is providing command and control of Soldiers, Airmen and equipment from the 51st Troop Command, 151st Regional Support Group, 126th Brigade Support Battalion, 211th Military Police Battalion, 101st Engineer Battalion, 65th Public Affairs Operations Center, 104th Fighter Wing, 102nd Intelligence Wing and the 267th Combat Communications Squadron.

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