MARTINSBURG, W.Va. –
About 70 trailers full of food, water, blankets, cots, tents and fuel will be on stand-by, ready to mobilize as needed from the Wing.
“We’re staging commodities here in anticipation of a potential flood hazard in West Virginia,” said Randy Branson, a logistics planner for the Response Division of FEMA Region 10, and team leader for the staging operations at the 167th AW. “We’re operating under what we call a surge. The post Katrina Emergency Management Relief Act of 2006 gave FEMA the ability to move assets in advance of a presidential declaration of an emergency to be prepared for a disaster declaration.”
The supplies are being moved onto the base from distribution centers in Cumberland, Md., and Frederick, Md.
According to Branson, the supplies will be dispatched to distribution points in local communities in West Virginia. If they are not needed in the state, they could be moved to other areas where they are needed or sent back to the distribution centers for restocking.
“We are always pleased to assist other government agencies helping those in need,” said Col. Rodney Neely, 167th AW vice wing commander. “We have about 20 Airmen helping out with the staging operations today, and we have others ready and willing to help if needed.”
The 167th AW has served as a staging area for disaster relief efforts numerous times. Last year the base served as a staging area for relief supplies going into Texas, Florida and Puerto Rico after Hurricane Harvey.
“In today’s National Guard, we can help all communities no matter their location. We are happy to help those affected by Hurricane Florence,” Neely said.