Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has asked for the activation of 700-plus members of the Texas Army, Air National Guard, Texas State Guard and the Texas Military Department so that they can be positioned throughout the state ahead of Hurricane Harvey.
“This is what we train for,” said Brig. Gen. Patrick M. Hamilton, commander of the Domestic Operations Task Force. “And we’re proud to stand beside our civilian partners, first responders and volunteers to serve the citizens of Texas.”
Additional personnel remain on standby to respond as needed, according to our TV news partner, Channel 2.
“This is Texans helping Texans – neighbors helping neighbors,” Hamilton said. “While we don’t want to have to put our training to the test during a tragedy, our citizen-guardsmen remain prepared to help save lives and property, when called.”
They are positioned in Victoria and College Station with other locations expected as the storm track becomes clearer.