Throughout northwest Missouri it’s common to stumble upon people helping people during this time of distress. Not because they have to, but because they want to lend a hand. Two Citizen-Soldiers with the Missouri Army National Guard on flood duty are doing just that.
Sgt. Clint Bain, of Blythdale, and Spc. David Baker, of Albany, volunteered to be a part of the flood fight.
“We usually volunteer every time,” said Bain. “That’s just part of the Guard duty.”
These Soldiers have been working a security detail at Big Lake, Mo., this week, posted at checkpoints around the area. Though this is their first flood duty with the National Guard, they both have served in other state emergency situations, including the blizzard that hit Missouri earlier this year.
“That’s what we signed up to do,” said Baker. “I know if it were my Family that was in a disaster, we’d hope and pray somebody would come to our aid.”
“I joined to protect my Family and Families that live around me,” said Bain. “That’s part of our duty to come out here and help out as much as we can.”
The Citizen-Soldiers drill with Battery A, 1-129th Field Artillery in Albany. Bain and Baker, along with other fellow artillerymen, are working in Holt County supporting local authorities, such as the sheriff’s department.
While on mission, Soldiers are in constant communication with the Tactical Operations Center in Maryville, calling in reports every hour.
Bain has served in the National Guard for five years. He is a correctional officer at Crossroads Correctional Center in Cameron.
Baker has served three years in the National Guard and also farms row crop and raises cattle in Albany.
The Missouri National Guard is mobilized under the authority of Gov. Jay Nixon and reports to local civil authorities. The Missouri National Guard will remain on duty until released by the Governor and local civil authorities.
No comments:
Post a Comment