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"Texans Defending Texas"

 

FOR IMMEDIATE PUBLIC RELEASE:

Texas Military Forces Mobilizes in Support of Texas Floods

AUSTIN, Texas (May 14, 2015) – At the request of Gov. Greg Abbott, through the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM), approximately 100 citizen-soldiers and airmen with the Texas Military Forces are in support of the severe weather and flooding across portions of Texas. Initial response crews mobilized to north Texas on May 8, 2015.

Currently, UH-60 Blackhawks, CH-47 Chinooks and C-130 air crews remain prepositioned on standby in Austin, Grand Prairie, Houston and College Station to assist with any emergency search and rescue, swift water rescues and/or emergency evacuations. In addition, members of the 176th Engineer Brigade have been activated to support local, state, and federal agencies with any request for high water ground transportation and evacuation needs. Members of the Texas State Guard are mobilized to assist with various aspects of logistical support.

“This is what we train for,” said Brig. Gen. Patrick M. Hamilton, Commander of Domestic Operations Task Force. “This type of operation is not new for Texans, and we’re proud to stand beside our civilian partners, firefighters, first responders and volunteers.”

The Texas Military Forces continues to work with TDEM to project additional personnel and equipment requirements as needed should the flooding and storms continue into next week.

“This is Texans helping Texans – neighbors helping neighbors,” Hamilton said. “While we don’t want to have to put our training to the test during a tragedy, our citizen-soldiers remain prepared to help save lives and property, when called.”

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The mission of the Texas Military Forces (TXMF) is to provide the Governor and the President with ready and trained forces in support of the citizens of Texas and State and Federal civil/military authorities at home and abroad.

The Texas Military Forces are commanded by the Adjutant General of Texas, the state's senior military official appointed by the governor, and is comprised of the Texas Military Department (formerly the Adjutant General's Department), the Texas Army National Guard (TXARNG), the Texas Air National Guard (TXANG), the Texas State Guard (TXSG) and the Domestic Operations Command (DOMOPS).

For more information about the Texas Military Forces visit our Website at www.txmf.us.

Texas Military Forces Public Affairs Phone: 512-782-5620
P.O. Box 5218, Building 10 E-Mail: ng.tx.txarng.mbx.pao@mail.mil
Camp Mabry (Austin), Texas 78703 Web: www.txmf.us