Michigan Army National Guard Soldiers set to assist in Houghton Recovery

By Maj. Corissa Barton

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Photo by Specialist Raymond Brown LANSING, Mich., June 20, 2018 The Michigan National Guard will begin repair operations this week in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, following severe rain that caused numerous washouts. Approximately 70 Soldiers will be activated in response to the emergency declaration issued by Governor Snyder Monday and include Soldiers from armories in Kingsford, Iron River, Calumet, Sault Ste. Marie and Montague. The Soldiers are members of 107th Engineer Battalion headquartered in Ishpeming and the 507th Engineer Battalion headquartered in Kalamazoo. “This is the right thing to do,” said Maj. Lucas Lanczy, Michigan National Guard liaison for the U.P. operation. “Our Soldiers come from the local communities and disaster response at home is why a lot of Soldiers join the Guard. We are happy to help.” The Soldiers have been requested to move gravel to repair affected areas that have been washed out. The temporary repairs will allow stranded residents avenues of entry and exit that have been destroyed by the floodwaters; also improving the public health capabilities allowing for passage by emergency medical services. The initial activation of the Soldiers is for 10 days, although the Michigan National Guard has the ability to increase or decrease the number of activation days depending on how the mission progresses. “Amid vast destruction caused by flooding in our Upper Peninsula, community cooperation, Michiganders helping one-another, is thriving,” said Maj. Gen. Greg Vadnais, adjutant general of the Michigan National Guard and director of the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. “Like the unity I witnessed in Gogebic County in 2016, I am always impressed by the indomitable can-do spirit of the men and women I work with on a daily basis. Equally impressive is the incredible grace and gratitude of Michigan residents who bravely march forward in extremely difficult times.” About the Michigan National Guard The Michigan National Guard’s 10,000 Soldiers and Airmen stand ready to serve both state and nation. With operations at three airfields, two major training bases and more than 40 armories around the state, Michigan National Guard Soldiers and Airmen are ready to provide a wide-range of disaster response and other support to civil authorities, while maintaining a high degree of combat readiness. For more information about the Michigan National Guard check out the Michigan National Guard website, www.minationalguard.dodlive.mil or call the Michigan Army National Guard recruiting office at 1-888-906-1636. The Michigan Air National Guard Web address is www.goang.com or 1-800-864-6264.

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