Arkansas National Guard Assists Emergency Responders During Winter Storm

One hundred sixteen Arkansas National Guard soldiers have been working around the clock across the state in response to winter weather.

As part of Operation Thunder Snow, Guard members supported 18 emergency management service locations on Monday, January 26.
Soldiers completed 23 missions, including the transport of 18 patients and five emergency dispatch calls, helping ensure access to critical medical care during dangerous conditions.

On Tuesday, January 27, soldiers with Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 153rd Infantry Regiment assisted emergency responders in Dierks.

Supply Specialist Samantha Douglas of Ashdown and Private First Class Mark Sillavan of Nashville were traveling with the Nashville Fire Department on a medical call when they were redirected to assist Pafford EMS following a head-injury emergency.

The soldiers secured South Main Street, allowing a medical helicopter to land safely. They helped transfer the patient to the aircraft and remained on scene directing traffic until the helicopter departed.