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One thousand Missouri National Guardsman are traveling south to provide security

September 2, 2005
By: Jade Mingus
State Capital Bureau

One-thousand Missourians are making the long trek to New Orleans today in an effort to regain control over the city.

Jade Mingus has more about the first leg of Missouri National Guards journey.

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This morning more than 20 humvees lined up at the National Guard Armory in Columbia to haul soliders almost 800 miles to help with the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

Guardsmen from Columbia weren't alone, other soldiers left today from Fulton and Maryville.

First Sergeant Harlan Greeves helped with the flood of 1993....and he says back then the smell of the standing water wasn't good but he thinks it will be even worse in New Orleans.

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"This is going to be a lot worse than that because of the bodies...the animals."

Sergeant Greeves also says his unit, the 1st 128th Field Artillery is going down to help police the streets, but they won't know their exact mission until they arrive.

From Jefferson City, I'm Jade Mingus.

***

One thousand Missourians headed South this morning to help with the relief efforts in Lousiania.

Jade Mingus has more on their journey south.

Families of the soliders in the 1st Battalion 128th Field Artillery made it clear this morning saying goodbye is never easy.

Claire Melvin was at the National Guard armory to give her brother Johnny one more hug before he left.

Claire says she's worried about safety in New Orleans where the soldiers will be providing security...but there is an upside.

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"I"m happy its just 14 hours away and we can still call and stuff like that."

Missouri National Guard Official Major David Kolarik says he expects soldiers to be gone for two to four weeks.

From Jefferson City, I'm Jade Mingus.

***

One-thousand Missouri soldiers are traveling south today to provide security to the area Hurricane Kathrina demolished.

Jade Mingus has more on the soldiers heading to battle in New Orleans.

Missouri National Guardsmen left from Columbia, Fulton, and Maryville to bring security back to areas ravaged by Hurricane Katrina.

Missouri National Guard Public Affairs Officer Major David Kolarik says all the soldiers leaving today have experience providing security in disaster situations.

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"As far as knowing the mission, what it takes to pull the right kind of security and know what they are doing, these people are well-trained."

Major Kolarik says he estimates the soldiers to be gone anywhere from two to four weeks.

From the state Capitol, I'm Jade Mingus.