Oklahoma National Guard Available For Rescues

Emory Bryan, News on 6

UNDATED -- The Oklahoma National Guard mobilized 300 soldiers Tuesday night to rescue drivers stranded in the snow. Some of the soldiers have been sent home from areas with light snow, while other teams remain active.

Lt. Colonel Max Moss said soldiers were activated at 12 armories, but by noon Wednesday has been called only to rescue two drivers near Bartlesville. Moss said last week, the Guard rescued 178 people. 

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Moss said soldiers remain available in Stillwater, Ponca City, Tulsa, Bartlesville and Sand Springs, and 8 teams in Humvees are patrolling Highway 412 between Pryor and Siloam Springs, Arkansas. He said they would work the area from there up to I-44 at Vinita, through the heaviest snow fall. 

Moss said the 4 wheel drive Humvees the Guard uses have had no trouble getting through the snow and they would be used to rescue people anywhere they're needed. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol is dispatching the National Guard soldiers.