NJ Army National Guard deploys troops to assist with Hurricane Milton response

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As Florida residents brace for the potentially catastrophic impacts of Hurricane Milton, New Jersey's Army National Guard heading south to provide support and assistance following the storm. Approximately 80 soldiers and 30 military vehicles left Wednesday for Camp Blanding in Starke Florida. A convoy from the 143rd Transportation Company and 253rd Transportation Company, 42nd Regional Support Group is expected to arrive in the next two days, the National Guard said in a statement. Once in Florida, the unit will work closely with the Florida National Guard and the state's Office of Emergency Management to coordinate assistance efforts including transportation for Florida National Guard members to areas impacted by the storm as well as delivering necessary items to hurricane victims. "Floridians are family, and we know from personal experience what hurricane recovery means for our communities," Col. Yvonne L. Mays, Acting Adjutant General of New Jersey said. "Our soldiers are trained and ready to support our neighbors in need." The request to respond to Florida in the wake of the incoming storm was coordinated through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact - a national state-to-state mutual aid agreement. According to the New Jersey National Guard, emergency assistance from Minnesota and Ohio was also approved through the agreement. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Florida as a second massive storm in as many weeks bears down on our nation's Gulf Coast," Gov. Phil Murphy said Wednesday. "New Jersey is committed to doing everything possible to assist Floridians impacted by Hurricane Milton—including sending a convoy to support the Florida Division of Emergency Management." "