Del. Guard supports state in Operation Arctic Vengeance

Posted in: February 2010
By Spc. Lori Bilyou, 101st Public Affairs Detachment
Feb 7, 2010 - 1:11:19 PM

Delaware Guard Soldiers battled nature with grit and gusto this weekend as more than 280 members participated in Operation Arctic Vengeance.

As snow began falling late Friday afternoon, Guard personnel began checking over their vehicles and equipment preparing to meet the storm head on. With up to 30 inches of snowfall predicted for the state of Delaware, the National Guard wasted no time in strategically placing resources in each county, ready to respond to the needs of the community.

Working in teams, guard members in HMMWVs, FMTVs, LMTVs, HEMTT began providing 24 hour coverage for the storm on Friday evening. Proving adaptable, they are filling a variety roles in support of Delaware Emergency Management, Del Dot, the State Police and local fire and ambulance services.

As of Sunday evening the National Guard completed more than 255 missions. Including:

• Emergency Medical Services calls.
• Fire calls.
• Law enforcement calls.
• Dialysis patient transport.
• Civilian transport to warming stations.

While the storm has ended, more than 18,000 people are still reported to be out of power, mostly in Sussex County. As such, the National Guard stands ready to render aid as long as there is a need.