In the midst of hurricane season, the fight against COVID-19 rages on, and readiness and response duties continue for members of the Connecticut Army and Air National Guard.
With the rate of new COVID-19 infections in Connecticut currently at a record low, the Connecticut Guard has been able to decrease the number of guardsmen deployed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the guard remains on high alert as members get ready for a potential second wave of COVID-19 cases. According to Army 1st Lt. James Grindel, member of the Connecticut National Guard Unified Command, small teams of guardsmen have built more than 241,000 COVID-19 sample collection kits that will be transferred to secure storage facilities for now, ready for rapid distribution and application if necessary.
Throughout the pandemic, Connecticut has relied on the guard's ability to deliver and distribute emergency supplies. Now, the state is depending on the guard's logistical expertise during hurricane season. Most recently, Hurricane Isaias tore through Connecticut leaving more than 700,000 homes without power and some without access to clean water. The guard collaborated with the Federal Emergency Management Agency to deliver more than 21,000 cases of water and Meals-Ready-to-Eat, or MREs, to Connecticut residents in the first few days after the storm. The collaboration had a positive impact in the lives of Connecticut residents, said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Donald Liddell of the 103rd Logistic Readiness Squadron.
"Throughout all of this, guardsmen have had great attitudes and the work has been hugely impactful," Liddell said. "People are telling us that they couldn't have done it without us, so the work is appreciated throughout the state."
The Connecticut governor often calls the guard to augment the services of other agencies during state emergencies. During Hurricane Isaias, the guard provided supplemental equipment and manpower to aid the utility company in clearing storm debris from roadways.
"We help overwhelmed municipalities or utility companies get areas and routes cleared," said Air Force Sr. Master Sgt. David Frates, emergency management superintendent for the 103rd Civil Engineer Squadron. "What we give the governor is the capability to tap into the training and equipment that we have. We bring it into the neighborhoods and help get people back to where they were before an incident occurred."
Utility company officials are grateful for the support they receive from the guard during mass power outages, said Mike Foley, communications specialist for United Illuminating.
"It's an all hands on deck situation," Foley said. "This effort is really appreciated, because these line crews can get in here quicker, energize the lines and people can turn their lights on sooner."
According to Liddell, the guard will continue to work with various agencies as Connecticut remains at a heightened risk for emergencies.
"We'll be here as long as you need us, and we'll work as long as you need our help," Liddell said.
(Air Force Tech. Sgt. Tamara Dabney is assigned to the 103rd Airlift Wing)