D.C. National Guard Soldier Sgt. Tyrone Williams, 715th Public Affairs Detachment, and Airman 1st Class Anthony Small, 113th Wing Public Affairs, work with the local fire department to free a vehicle out of the snow, Washington, D.C., Jan. 23. The D.C. Guard was activated during a state of emergency to provide transportation support for Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency (HSEMA), Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), Fire and Emergency Service Medical Department (FEMS) and Department of Human Services (DHS) personnel during a severe winter storm in the nation's capitol. (Army National Guard photo by Sgt. 1st Class Khalia Jackson/Released)
715th Public Affairs Detachment
Story by Sgt. 1st Class Khalia Jackson
WASHINGTON – As winter awakens the nation’s capital with 22 inches of snow, more than 170 D.C. Guard members responded to the call of duty Jan 22. The principal mission was to provide transportation support to emergency management agencies throughout the district.
In support of this state of emergency also known as Winter Storm Jonas, one High Mobility Multi-Wheeled Vehicle (Humvee) and a two-man team were positioned at each police and fire-station to assist with efficiently responding to urgent calls. These teams of Soldiers and Airmen worked 12-hour shifts ensuring 24-hour availability to the D.C. Metro Police Department (MPD) and Fire and Emergency Medical Services (FEMS).
Over 50 tactical vehicles were used to support the various needs during the snow storm. In addition to a Humvee at each of the 16 stations, Light Medium Tactical Vehicles (LMTV) were used to transport supplies to first-aid stations, and food to shelters and satellite shelter locations. The Department of Human Services (DHS) requested guardsmen support to ensure the availability of meals with no nutritional compromise, and sufficient aid and care to the community.
“In order for a transportation mission such as this to be a success, it takes flexibility, focus, and being in the right place at the right time with the right equipment,” stated Capt. J. Scott Crawford, D.C. National Guard Joint Task Force mission commander and 25 year veteran to law enforcement.
The snow storm is the largest of continuous snow fall that the district has ever seen. In the midst, guard members completed multiple deliveries of supplies and food for DHS, assisted MPD and FEMS with more than 80 responses to emergency calls and provided various intermediate assistance en-route to each location; namely, ensuring that citizens get to and from their destinations safely.
“It's about coming together and completing one mission which is to protect and serve,” said Sergeant Kenneth Rambo, firefighter, Fire Department Engine 8.
One particular piece of the duty was to drive the D.C. Mayor, Muriel Bowser, her staff and security to multiple locations for the duration of the snow storm.
“I know it's our job to protect our community, but I never thought I would get the opportunity as a guardsman to personally be assigned to drive the mayor, expressed Sgt. Demaro McFarlane, D.C. Army National Guard recruiter. “It’s amazing.”
At the conclusion of duty, Bowser held a press conference at the D.C. National Guard Armory with her government partners to educate the district on the progress of recovery efforts. There, she thanked Major General Errol Schwartz, commanding general, and his guardsmen for their hospitality and professional support to the recovery during the 36-hour dig out. “Let’s hear it for our troops,” Bowser said.
D.C. National Guard photojournalist Sgt. Tyrone Williams (left), 715th Public Affairs Detachment, and members of the local fire department arrive to a vehicle stuck in the snow, Washington, D.C., Jan. 23. The D.C. Guard was activated during a state of emergency to provide transportation support for Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency (HSEMA), Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), Fire and Emergency Service Medical Department (FEMS) and Department of Human Services (DHS) personnel during a severe winter storm in the nation's capitol. (Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Aimee Fujikawa/Released)
A High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV) waits outside of the Frank D. Reeves Municipal Center while mayor Mayor Muriel Bowser conducts a press conference to address issues caused by a severe winter storm, Washington, D.C., Jan. 23. A part of the National Guard’s mission included transporting Bowser and her security detail throughout the city during Winter Storm Jonas. (Air National Guard photo by Airman 1st Class Anthony Small/Released)
A reporter braves the cold to capture D.C. National Guard Soldiers and Airmen Tactical vehicles as they prepare to roll out into the District to support Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), Fire and Emergency Service Medical Department (FEMS) during Winter Storm Jonas, Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, D.C., Jan. 22. District of Columbia National Guard Soldiers and Airmen answer the call to provide transportation support during freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall Jan. 22-25.
