Southeast Missouri National Guard soldiers assist Gustav victims

SIKESTON, Mo. -- Although it's not one of the first duties people think of when it comes to the National Guard, lending a hand in domestic issues is also an important duty. And that's just what several members of the 1221st Transportation Company of Dexter, Portageville and Sikeston are doing while mobilized to support Hurricane Gustav relief efforts in Louisiana.

"To be able to help the citizens of another state in the U.S., it's a really good mission and it really personifies the National Guard's dual mission to assist the United States during a global war on terror, or the citizens of a state here at home," said Capt. Richard Tipton, 1221st Company commander.

Almost 80 soldiers were sent with the company, which convoyed out of Dexter on Sept. 1. Tipton said the units arrived in Louisiana late Sept. 4 and have been involved in several missions while there.

"We cover a lot of ground," he said.

One local guardsman mobilized in Sgt. David Carmack of Sikeston. "The main thing we're doing is hauling oxygen bottles to hospitals and emergency health-care facilities," he said. A dozen or so members of the 1221st are working on that mission, while others work elsewhere, he said.

Twenty-two personnel members are assigned to hauling generators to parishes within the state to assist in emergency electricity operations, Tipton said.

"For the most part, the places we go have electricity, but there are still areas that are without electricity, so it's important that we get the generators transported," he said.

Guard members also haul water and ready-to-eat meals throughout Louisiana, in addition to running humanitarian missions to deliver items such as baby wipes and other toiletries to people there, said Tipton.

Although Gustav didn't hit as hard as was expected, residents in some towns said it's hit them harder than Katrina did two years ago, said Carmack.

"Most of the damage has been from trees crashing through power lines and crashing through roofs," he said.

Although Carmack wasn't mobilized after the Katrina disaster, about 60 percent were, said Tipton. "So we have some experienced folks," he said.

And clean up efforts this time are much smoother.

"They actually started bringing people down here before it even touched down," said Carmack. "We caught the tail end of Gustav when we were headed down here."

Tipton also spoke well of the effort. "It seems like everyone's a lot more prepared this time," he said. "From start to finish, it's been better than it was on all levels."

The living conditions for soldiers are "much better than they were during Katrina," Tipton continued. The 1221st, as well as a few other units, are housed in an abandoned Wal-Mart building near Eunice, La., about 180 miles away from New Orleans.

"We've been very well taken care of," said Tipton.

For the most part, guard members have been welcomed with open arms by the residents.

"They are extremely happy that we are here," said Tipton. "You can tell that, quite frankly, they're in a real tough position right now and the Missouri National Guard is working to take that negative they have in their life and put a positive influence on it. They're in good spirits and they are really appreciative of what we're doing."

Carmack said he works in not so great areas of town, and there are a few people not receptive to the presence. "They act like we're in their way and they don't even care," he said.

But the individuals mobilized see the difference they are making and are glad to pitch in -- even if it does mean being away from home and missing certain occasions.

"Everything [my wife and I] had planned out for the summer was this month," said Carmack. He has missed a friend's wedding, ball games, and may still be gone on their anniversary later this month, depending on when the conditions are right for the unit to return home. "But I think we're all glad to be doing it. Something is going to happen our way someday and we're going to need help, too."

Tipton agreed. "Most of the soldiers I'm talking to are extremely proud and ready and willing to help the citizens of Louisiana," he said. "They're here and they're enjoying what they're doing."