Local Guard activated for St. Louis cleanup

Missouri Gov. Matt Blunt has mobilized Missouri National Guard troops and airmen to support storm recovery efforts in the St. Louis area.

"The Missouri National Guard is proud to help the St. Louis area through this difficult time," said Maj. Gen. King Sidwell. "We are your hometown guard and we are here when you need us."

The 1140th Engineer Battalion, approximately 230 personnel, are reporting to St. Louis today, according to a news relesae.

The unit was already conducting annual training at Wappapello and Macon and will remain in federal status, the release said. The Missouri Air National Guard's 218th Engineer Installation Squadron has approximately 30 airmen in annual training status and is already working in support of the mission.

The local senior command, 70th Troop Command, is mobilizing approximately 35 soldiers to a state active duty status.

The guard troops and airmen have been requested to support local authorities with debris removal, damage assessments and assist civil authorities in identifying vulnerable citizens.

This mission is a result of Gov. Blunt's executive order 06-25 from earlier today.

Check Friday's Southeast Missourian for more details.