Story by: Capt. John Root, 39th Regiment
Posted:August 7, 2015
Pvt. Gregory Turnbow, 39th Regiment, Texas State Guard, guides cyclists at a rest stop during the Multiple Sclerosis Society’s Cactus & Crude MS-150 Bike-A-Thon from Midland to Lubbock, Texas, July 26, 2015. The Texas State Guard provides support to community events as part of its mission in addition to assisting local authorities during emergencies such as hurricanes, tornadoes, and wildfires. (TXSG photo/Released)
MIDLAND, Texas (July 28, 2015) – Soldiers from the 39th Composite Regiment, Texas State Guard, performed route and safety guidance for the Cactus & Crude MS-150 Bike-A-Thon, sponsored by the Multiple Sclerosis Society, along the 150-mile route from Midland to Lubbock, Texas, July 25-26, 2015. The Texas State Guard serves Texans by providing assistance during emergencies such as hurricanes, tornadoes, and wildfires, and community events.
Staff Sgt. Manuel Hernandez and Staff Sgt. Derald Mabbit, 39th Regiment, Texas State Guard, guides cyclists through a blind curve during the Multiple Sclerosis Society’s Cactus & Crude MS-150 Bike-A-Thon from Midland to Lubbock, Texas, July 26, 2015. The Texas State Guard provides support to community events as part of its mission in addition to assisting local authorities during emergencies such as hurricances, tornadoes, and wildfires. (TXSG photo/Released)
Soldiers from the 39th Composite Regiment followed the lead of local law enforcement to create a safe roadway for the cyclists at multiple highway intersections, blind curves, and other potentially dangerous points along the route.
In the spirit of the event, Sgt. 1st Class Rosalind Roger, 3rd Battalion, 39th Composite Regiment, entered the race and finished among the top riders. "The ride was great, the weather was fabulous, and the support from the Texas State Guard was amazing," said Roger. "I am proud to be a part of a great team like the Texas State Guard. I look forward to this event next year.”
"The soldiers of the 39th Composite Regiment, along with event organizers, local emergency management, law enforcement and emergency medical services, did an outstanding job of ensuring the safety of all cyclists along the two-day 150-mile route," stated Col. Barney E. Welch, commander of the 39th Composite Regiment, Texas State Guard. "In the process, our soldiers used this event as a training opportunity for future missions where the regiment is needed for maintaining traffic flow and assisting with the evacuation of citizens during an emergency, such as a hurricane or a wildfire. The 39th is always ready and "equal to the task"."
The 39th Composite Regiment appreciated the support and cooperation of their local jurisdiction partners, National Multiple Sclerosis Society Event Coordinator Lyndee Groce, the congregation of the Lamesa First Baptist Church, the local officials and citizens of Lamesa, Texas, and Larry Duyck and Terri Stahl of Lamesa and their staffs.
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Col.Barney Welch, commander, and Command Sgt. Maj. Marshall Allen, 39th Regiment, Texas State Guard, congratulate Sgt. 1st Class Rosalind Roger, 3rd Battallion, 39th Regiment, for completing the first day of the Multiple Schlerosis Society's Cactus & Crude MS-150 Bike-A-Thon from Midland to Lubbock, Texas, July 25, 2015. The Texas State Guard provides support to community events as part of its mission in addition to supporting local authorities during emergencies such as hurricances, tornadoes, and wildfires. (TXSG photo/Released)
Working together, the organizers, cyclists, and soldiers, saw this community event as a shining example of how cooperative efforts among citizens, local authorities, and the Texas State Guard can achieve a successful outcome.