Guard units help recovery efforts

STAFF REPORT

COLUMBUS —The Ohio National Guard’s 1192nd Engineering Co. in Newton Falls is among several ONG units deployed to Louisiana by Gov. Ted Strickland to assist in Hurricane Gustav recovery efforts.

Strickland’s action was prompted by a request from Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal for help. The units will be clearing debris and opening transportation lanes, moving people and supplies, and maintaining military equipment, officials said.

Other area units deployed are the 112th Transportation Co. and the 1484th Transportation Co., both in the Akron-Canton area. The assistance is being provided under the Emergency Management Assistance Compact, a national mutual-aid and partnership agreement.

The soldiers will be transported to Columbus over the next several days, where they will be processed and begin convoy operations to Louisiana by the end of the week, according to ONG.