Gov. Gregoire authorizes assistance for Texas

For Immediate Release: September 12, 2008

OLYMPIA � Gov. Chris Gregoire issued the following statement on sending Washington National Guard emergency support for those communities in Texas expected to be hit by Hurricane Ike:

�Today, I authorized the Adjutant General, Major General Timothy J. Lowenberg, to send members of the Washington National Guard to assist in the Gulf Coast region in response to Hurricane Ike.

�As of today, Washington National Guard communications resources and 10 accompanying Washington Guard members in Louisiana now aiding the response to the aftermath of Hurricane Gustav have been shifted to Texas. In addition, five UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters and 15 aviation crew members from the Washington National Guard are in the Fort Hood, Texas, area ready to respond as needed. The length of their mission will vary depending on the circumstances on the ground after Hurricane Ike has passed through.

�We stand ready to send additional emergency help, as requested. Our thoughts and prayers are with the residents and the first responders in Texas.�