Oklahoma National Guard Responds in Tornado Relief Effort

You are subscribed to American Forces News Articles for U.S. Department of Defense. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Oklahoma National Guard Responds in Tornado Relief Effort 05/21/2013 10:34 AM CDT Oklahoma National Guard Responds in Tornado Relief Effort From a National Guard Bureau News Release ARLINGTON, Va., May 21, 2013 - Nearly 250 members of the Oklahoma National Guard are assisting with victim search and security today in Moore, Okla., where a monster tornado left at least 51 dead, including 20 children, authorities said. An Oklahoma National Guardsman and a firefighter search for survivors through the rubble of a building that was devastated by a tornado that killed dozens of people in Moore, Okla., May 20, 2013. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Kendall James (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. The twister hit yesterday about 3:15 p.m. CDT, when children were still in two elementary schools in the Oklahoma City suburb. The tornado, packing winds of up to 200 mph, tore off the roof of Plaza Towers Elementary School and pulverized walls. Volunteers joined first responders to help in rescuing children and staff from the devastation, the Associated Press reported. Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin activated the airmen and soldiers yesterday. Among those responding was the 146th Air Support Operations Squadron from nearby Will Rogers Air National Guard Base in Oklahoma City. In a video interview, Air Force 2nd Lt. Gabriel Bird said the unit members carried thermal imaging gear to help locate those buried in rubble. "Hopefully, we'll find survivors," Bird said. Members also carried basic medical supplies and multiband radios to communicate with ground and aircraft crews, Bird said. "We're a pretty new unit, so we haven't supported any state emergencies," Bird said. But he noted that many squadron members are veterans who have supported other disaster-recovery operations when assigned to other units.   Related Sites: National Guard Bureau Oklahoma National Guard soldiers and airmen join civilian firefighters and police in searching for survivors through the rubble of a building that was devastated by a tornado that killed dozens of people in Moore, Okla., May 20, 2013. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Kendall James Download screen-resolution Download high-resolution   Defense Department News Through Facebook On American Forces Press Service's Facebook page, you can post comments and share news, photos and videos. Go to http://www.facebook.com/pages/American-Forces-Press-Service/65137437532 or search for American Forces Press Service at Facebook.com. Update your subscriptions, modify your password or e-mail address, or stop subscriptions at any time by clicking on your 'User Profile' page at https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDOD/subscriber/edit?preferences=true#tab1. You will need to use your e-mail address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please e-mail support@govdelivery.com. Have another inquiry? Visit the online FAQ at http://www.defense.gov/landing/questions.aspx for up-to-date information. Get the help you, your family, and fellow servicemembers need, when you need it. Visit www.WarriorCare.mil to learn more. Check out the National Resource Directory at www.nationalresourcedirectory.org, a new web-based resource for wounded, ill and injured service members, veterans, their families, families of the fallen and those who support them from the Departments of Defense, Labor, and Veterans Affairs. This service is provided to you at no charge by U.S. Department of Defense. Visit us on the web at http://www.defense.gov/. Updates from the U.S. Department of Defense