ARIZONA, USA — A troop of National Guard "Citizen-Soldiers" helped pack food boxes and loading pallets at a Gilbert food bank on Sunday.
Volunteers at Gilbert's Midwest Food Bank were the first to experience the help from National Guard Citizen-Soldiers since Gov. Ducey activated the National Guard for the state on March 19.
“Our efforts are intended to reduce the concern that builds in the public when they see empty shelves,” said Maj. Gen. Michael T. McGuire, Arizona’s Adjutant General.
Soon, the food banks and grocery stores across the state will be seeing the same kind of assistance as more than 700 Arizona Citizen-Soldiers and Airmen are set to be activated this week to support food distribution.
“We are helping surge capacity for our retail partner’s distribution centers to secure and sustain the transport of food and supplies to where there is the greatest need," McGuire said.
There are more than 8,000 Citizen-Soldiers, Airmen and civilian employees in Arizona's National Guard, according to a press release sent by the guard. Each has a specific skill set to assist local communities in bridging logistical gaps.
“If you need help, work through your county emergency operations centers,” said McGuire.
National Guard logistical planners met with grocery store and food bank representatives on Saturday to identify the largest problems facing the state.
Moving forward, McGuire stated that requests for assistance will be focused on.
"Our state’s emergency operations center will be managing all requests for assistance so that we can help those with the greatest need," he said.
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