National Guard assists Jonesboro after tornado with cots to support recovery operations

by: News Staff

Posted: Mar 29, 2020 / 04:32 PM CDT / Updated: Mar 29, 2020 / 04:32 PM CDT

Members of the Rhode Island National Guard look for passengers getting off from a train from New York as it arrives Saturday, March 28, 2020, in Westerly, R.I. States are pulling back the welcome mat for travelers from the New York area, which is the epicenter of the country’s coronavirus outbreak, and some say at least one state’s measures are unconstitutional. Gov. Gina Raimondo ratcheted up the measures Friday afternoon, announcing she’ll also order the state National Guard to go door-to-door in coastal communities starting this weekend to find out whether any of the home’s residents have recently arrived from New York and inform them of the quarantine order. (AP Photo/David Goldman)

WHO: The Arkansas National Guard’s 875th Engineer Battalion

WHAT: transported and delivered 200 cots

WHEN: March 29, 2020

WHERE: Jonesboro, Arkansas

WHY: The Arkansas Division of Emergency Management tasked the Arkansas National Guard to provide cots to Jonesboro after a tornado damaged many homes and businesses in the city 29 March.

Arkansas Army National Guard Soldiers from the 875th Engineer Battalion delivered 200 cots to assist the city of Jonesboro to facilitate shelter operations.

“The city of Jonesboro was hit pretty hard yesterday evening.” Lt. Col. Eric Lothian, Cdr. 875th Engineer Battalion, said. “The city asked the Arkansas Division of Emergency Management for some cots to help shelter those who lost their homes last night. We had them nearby and we are glad to help. We stand ready to assist further if officials determine their needs have changed.”

The 875th Engineer Battalion, with units and headquarters in Jonesboro, promptly responded by delivering the cots just after midnight to the shelter locations.

The Arkansas National Guard assumes support roles to augment civil authorities, where needed and directed by the Governor, to help in a crisis.

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