4/16/2013 - HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. -- The
Massachusetts National Guard continued Tuesday to bolster local and
state authorities following the Monday explosions at the Boston
Marathon.
Three people, including an eight-year-old boy, were killed and more than 140 wounded.
"We offer our deepest sympathy and prayers to the victims of the
explosions in Boston today. We are here to assist the Boston Police and
provide additional support as it is requested," Brig. Gen. Paul G.
Smith, the assistant adjutant general-Army for the Massachusetts
National Guard, said Monday.
Early Tuesday, the Massachusetts National Guard reported more than 1,000
personnel on duty, with that number expected to decrease as the day
progressed. Rhode Island and New York also provided troop support.
All the Guard members are accounted for and none were reported injured following the twin blasts.
In a brief nationwide speech Monday night, President Barack Obama acknowledged the Guard's contribution:
"Boston police, firefighters and first responders, as well as The
National Guard, responded heroically and continue to do so as we speak.
It's a reminder that so many Americans serve and sacrifice on our behalf
every single day without regard to their own safety, in dangerous and
difficult circumstances, and we salute all those who assisted in
responding so quickly and professionally to this tragedy," the president
said.
The 211th Military Police Battalion has been called upon to provide
security. The Guard is also staging transportation assets such as buses
(5-10) and four helicopters.
Additionally, the Massachusetts National Guard's 387th Ordnance Company
(Explosive Ordnance Disposal) has been activated; and the 267th Combat
Communications Squadron's Joint Incident Site Communications Capability
(JISCC) is headed to Boston to assist with interagency communication. (A
JISCC is a wireless broadband that provides computers, web access and
telephones to deployed personnel. Its own satellite makes it a
stand-alone system. It enables state and local emergency responders with
communications capabilities.)
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