Arkansas National Guard sending 100 to Florida for Hurricane Milton response

NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – The Arkansas National Guard is joining with others in responding to the exceptionally fierce Hurricane Milton currently bearing down on Florida.

Officials announced Wednesday that 100 guardsmen are being dispatched to augment the Florida National Guard in responding to the expected damage the storm will bring. Guardsmen began reporting to Camp Joseph T. Robinson on Wednesday for processing and preparation for the 17-day assignment.

Guard officials said they will depart on Oct. 11. While on-site in Florida, the guardsmen are expected to provide security, traffic control and commodity distribution, among other needs that may arise, officials said.

Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders voiced her support for the mission.

“Thank you to the selfless and brave 100 Arkansas Guardsmen, some of our state’s finest, on their way to Florida ahead of Hurricane Milton,” Sanders said. “We are one nation under God, and we will provide assistance when our friends and neighbors need it.”

Brig. Gen. Chad Bridges, Arkansas adjunct general, said the mission is what guardsmen do.

“Serving our state and nation is what Guard members do,” Bridges said. “Our Soldiers and Airmen are proud when they have an opportunity to serve and make a positive difference. The citizens of Florida need assistance after Hurricane Helene and now Milton, and Arkansas Guard members are eager and willing to help.”

Milton is expected to make landfall in western Florida early Thursday morning. It follows the already destructive Hurricane Helene that hit the state in late September.

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