RICHMOND, Va. — Virginia National Guard Soldiers used chain saws to help clear roads and assisted with keeping traffic moving Aug. 4, 2020, after Tropical Storm Isaias left a path of fallen trees and debris at multiple locations across Virginia.
“I’m also grateful to the Virginia National Guard,” said Governor Ralph Northam at a press conference Aug. 5 after thanking first responders who were alert during the storm and keeping people safe. “The Guard is always there for us in emergencies, including our ongoing COVID pandemic. Guard members have been helping with logistics and with testing for months.”
Soldiers assigned to the Virginia Beach-based 1173rd Transportation Company, 529th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 329th Regional Support Group used chain saws to help clear fallen trees near White Stone, Virginia, and Soldiers assigned the Norfolk-based 1st Battalion, 111th Field Artillery, 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team helped clear a road of fallen trees and keep traffic moving in Onancock, Virginia. Soldiers also helped clear a fallen tree at the Onancock Readiness Center.
The Virginia National Guard staged approximately 80 Soldiers and 30 vehicles for state emergency support duty Aug. 3, 2020, at multiples locations in the eastern and central portions of the state. Personnel were ready to assist local authorities respond to possible impacts from Tropical Storm Isaias in the Eastern Shore, Hampton Roads and Peninsula areas as well as at key locations along the I-95 corridor. The Soldiers were staged with Humvees and light/medium tactical trucks for high water transportation and also have chain saws for debris reduction.
View photos of the Soldiers clearing roads in White Stone on Flickr:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/vaguardpao/albums/72157715363409882
View photos of the Soldiers clearing roads in Onancock on Flickr:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/vaguardpao/albums/72157715370432418
View photos of the Soldiers preparing and moving out to the Eastern Shore on Flickr:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/vaguardpao/albums/72157715348607646