LITTLE ROCK (KATV) — As a sign that the worst of Arkansas’ most recent bout of severe winter weather is behind us, Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders on Tuesday released more than 150 National Guard soldiers from active duty in the state.
With the activation of the Arkansas National Guard last week, service men and women were able to assist state police with statewide winter weather operations.
Starting as the storm system moved into Arkansas Sunday, the National Guard said they were able to provide support to 108 different encounters and interactions. They said out of the more than 100 interactions, they were able to assist 97 civilians and help with 11 first responder transports.
Also among their duties involved assisting state police tag and clear “numerous abandoned vehicles” on state roadways.
This is one of the many missions the Arkansas National Guard is built for,” Maj. Gen. Jonathan Stubbs, Arkansas’ adjutant general, said in a statement. “I’m extremely proud of all the Soldiers and Airmen who stepped up when they were called upon. Their efforts in assisting the Arkansas State Police played an important role in keeping our roadways safe and protecting our citizens during this winter weather event.”
In total, 168 guardsmen and women were out assisting law enforcement. One-hundred and twenty were assigned to truck operators, 30 were supervisors, eight served in command and control operations, eight as mission support liaisons, and two in joint staff support.
Heavy snow started falling in Arkansas Sunday afternoon as temperatures began to drop. Although much of the snow exited the state Monday, the freezing temperatures remain in place at least through Wednesday.
