The governor sent about 160 members of the National Guard to support the hurricane relief effort, especially in hard-hit Louisiana. Soldiers from Urbana and Mattoon, Normal and Macomb will provide assistance with the clean up.
Illinois governor J.B. Pritzker has activated National Guard troops in response to Hurricane Ida. “As states across the nation recover from the damage of Hurricane Ida and the continued impacts of climate change, the State of Illinois stands ready to help,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Illinois’ brave members of the National Guard are exceptional at everything they do and will work alongside local rescue teams to support impacted residents and communities.”
The move came after the Louisiana National Guard requested assistance with extra manpower and equipment to help with supply distribution, search and rescue, debris removal, and security.
The Illinois National Guard has assisted in major hurricane events for years. More than 1,100 were sent to Louisiana following hurricane Katrina in 2005.
