Oklahoma National Guard Sending Hundreds Of Soldiers To Louisiana Following Ida

The first group of Oklahoma National Guardsmen is heading to Louisiana on Tuesday to help with the aftermath of Hurricane Ida. The request for support came from the state of Louisiana’s office of emergency management.

Nearly 500 soldiers and airmen will focus on route clearance, security, levee reinforcement and general support operations while on assignment. The commander of the Oklahoma National Guard Task Force said they are proud to help their neighbors in need and situations like this are why the National Guard exists.

The Guard will join at least 150 other Oklahoma responders in Louisiana helping out after the storm. Governor Kevin Stitt’s office said people from the Broken Arrow, Owasso, Sand Springs, Tulsa and Verdigris fire departments and some Tulsa police officers are also on the ground.

“Oklahoma’s emergency response teams are some of the best in the nation, and I applaud all of the state and local partners that are assisting Louisiana as it recovers from this storm,” said Governor Stitt.

The governor’s office said more support could be deployed to Louisiana if it is needed.