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Governor puts over 550 Illinois National Guardsman on alert for Puerto Rico assistance

Posted in:

* Press release…

Governor Bruce Rauner is reaching out to officials in Puerto Rico, letting them know the state of Illinois stands ready to assist with recovery efforts after Hurricane Maria’s devastating impact on the island. Right now, more than 550 Illinois National Guardsmen are on alert and ready to deploy, if needed.

“Our fellow Americans need us,” said Rauner. “I am ready to send our Guardsmen on a mission to make sure the people of Puerto Rico are safe and healthy as they find a way to rebuild after such a tragic blow. We are one people, united by our love for this country and our willingness to help each other in times of need.”

The Illinois National Guard has already been responding to requests for assistance as they have come in through the appropriate federal channels. To date, the Guard has delivered vital relief material to the U.S Virgin Islands and is in Puerto Rico assisting with strategic communication capabilities.

Rauner says the state is ready to do more. While he has the authority to activate the Illinois National Guard within the state’s borders, he cannot send them to other states or territories without an official request. Rauner sent a letter to Ricardo Rossello, the governor of Puerto Rico, today, letting him know the state of Illinois is eager to help and will mobilize troops immediately, if and when more boots are needed on the ground.

The Rauner administration also reached out to the Federal Emergency Management Association to see how it can be of more assistance on the home front.

Rauner and Lieutenant Governor Evelyn Sanguinetti partnered with State Representative Luis Arroyo and other leaders in the Puerto Rican community last week, including La Casa Puertorriqueña and the Puerto Rican Parade Committee, to film a video asking the people of Illinois to pitch in with recovery efforts. The video is available online at www.Ready.Illinois.gov/hurricanehelp.

* Media advisory…

What: Illinois Emergency Management Agency Director James Joseph will hold a conference call with members of the media to provide an update on Illinois’ efforts to assist in Puerto Rico.
Date: Monday, October 2, 2017
Time: 11:30am

posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Oct 2, 17 @ 9:51 am

Comments

  1. Good on ya, Rauner, for reaching out.

    Comment by wordslinger Monday, Oct 2, 17 @ 9:54 am

  2. They had a press release about the communications assistance the Air Guard is providing.

    Comment by OneMan Monday, Oct 2, 17 @ 9:56 am

  3. Well done, Governor.

    This is what a governor does, steps up and helps where help is needed

    Thank you.

    Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Oct 2, 17 @ 9:59 am

  4. Rauner did the right thing.

    – MrJM

    Comment by @MisterJayEm Monday, Oct 2, 17 @ 10:01 am

  5. Yes, good job Gov, this is a crises that requires all hands on deck.

    Comment by Give Me A Break Monday, Oct 2, 17 @ 10:20 am

  6. Good is right. My son in Guard in Florida. They need choppers to transport supplies inland where desperately needed. Food, etc in port, but roads impassable in many cases, and truck drivers are dealing with own crises in home.

    Comment by Anonymous Monday, Oct 2, 17 @ 10:40 am

  7. Props to the guv!

    Comment by Jocko Monday, Oct 2, 17 @ 10:59 am

  8. I am of 2 minds on this, it seems too little, too late with a bit of grandstanding thrown in. OTH, there is a dire need for help. Send as much as possible.

    Comment by Huh? Monday, Oct 2, 17 @ 11:03 am

  9. Good. Period.

    Comment by walker Monday, Oct 2, 17 @ 11:37 am

  10. Thank you.

    Comment by Biker Monday, Oct 2, 17 @ 12:42 pm

  11. What will this cost taxpayers?

    Comment by Anonymous Monday, Oct 2, 17 @ 1:23 pm

  12. @ anonymous

    Who cares??? What would be the human cost of NOT sending anyone in.

    Comment by Franklin Delano Bluth Monday, Oct 2, 17 @ 1:38 pm

  13. Why now? He should have sent troops down there at least a week ago. What is the big hold up in sending help to Puerto Rico?

    Comment by Mama Monday, Oct 2, 17 @ 2:43 pm

  14. Mama - point taken, but despite what Trump blabs about ‘all is well because of ME’, Rauner had no real idea how bad it was…realizing now, it Wasn’t Going Great. I give him credit for this.

    Comment by Anonymous Monday, Oct 2, 17 @ 3:13 pm

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