The National Guard

I can't say enough about these guys. First, they are everywhere and in constant motion. As I pulled into a subidivision today, I found four Humvees at the home of an older couple, and a team of guys clearing the yard of trees. These guys were there for hours and never stopped working. From the very beginning the Guard has been an integral part of the response, from manning checkpoints to clearing roadways. They are friendly, professional, and courteous. The frustrating thing though is that they will not let anyone do anything for them. If you offer them water, cold drinks, food, anything, they won't have it. They say that they are here to contribute, not to be a "burden." They guys I met were from throughout the country. Today a few were from Ohio, Florida, and Arkansas. They say that they've been surprised at how friendly and appreciative the people here have been. We would be a lot further behind were it not for them.