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Iowa National Guard: Regional exercise to improve preparedness for disaster and terrorism response 6/12/2009 RELEASED BY Lt. Col. Greg Hapgood PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER OFFICE: (515) 252-4582 CELL: (515) 971-6385 RELEASE: IMMEDIATE CAMP DODGE JOHNSTON, IOWA JUNE 11, 2009 4:30 P.M. REGIONAL EXERCISE TO IMPROVE PREPAREDNESS FOR DISASTER AND TERRORISM RESPONSE In June, a series of natural and manmade disasters will happen throughout the Midwest. Fortunately, this time they will only be part of an exercise. Central Iowans may see an increased presence of military, first responder, and law enforcement personnel June 17-24 during Vigilant Guard 09, a regional emergency response hosted by the Iowa National Guard. Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska (FEMA Region VII) organizations are also participating in Iowa and in their home states. The main Iowa exercise venue will be located in the Des Moines metropolitan area. "We’re excited about this opportunity to exercise our emergency response plans with our local, county, state, and federal partners here in Iowa," said Brig. Gen. Tim Orr, the Adjutant General of the Iowa National Guard. “This exercise will not only test our capabilities, but continue to enhance our ability to respond to the needs of Iowans in all types of emergencies." Approximately 1,000 personnel will participate in the Iowa portion of the exercise, including approximately 250 Soldiers and Airmen from the Iowa National Guard, 250 Soldiers and Airmen total from Kansas, Nebraska, and Missouri National Guard units, and approximately 500 civilians from local, county, state, and federal agencies. Vigilant Guard 09 is a seven-day, multi-state, multi-site simulation, which includes a series of training exercises designed to enhance operational relationships within the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Region VII. Simulated exercise elements will include a train derailment, response to a foreign animal disease, and support to state agencies due to a manmade, biological release. The purpose of the training event is to identify gaps which may exist between civilian, governmental, and military response organizations from participating states. Vigilant Guard 09 is a component of Ardent Sentry 2009 (AS09), a national-level emergency response exercise. Note to editors/reporters: Media are welcome to attend the exercise June 18-19. Due to safety considerations, please contact Lt. Col. Greg Hapgood, Iowa National Guard Public Affairs Officer by email at gregory.hapgood@us.army.mil or (515) 252-4582 (office), (515) 971-6385 (cell), or 1st Sgt. Duff McFadden at duff.e.mcfadden@us.army.mil or (515) 252-4666 (office) or (515) 480-7647 (cell) to coordinate access to the exercise venue. -END- |
