![]() The destruction he witnessed was unimaginable. “I headed for 20th street because from the reports it sounded like hit there pretty good,” Byers said. Byers, who watched the storm touch down on local television, immediately left his home north of town en route to the unit’s armory on 32nd street. Mike Byers, with the 203rd’s Headquarters and Headquarters Company supply section. “It wasn’t like anything I saw in Afghanistan,” said Army Staff Sgt. Most of them say dealing with the tornado and its aftermath is by far much harder on them than eluding Taliban IEDs and rocket fire. Now, they have stepped up to serve their state and community, a task made equally daunting by the sheer level of destruction left in the wake of a six-mile-long, half-mile wide swath of pure terror. A year ago, the 203rd Engineer Battalion, Missouri Army National Guard, woke up every day in a war zone on May 22, a deadly tornado blew through this southwest Missouri community of 46,000, leaving behind a path of devastation worse than most of these combat engineers experienced in Afghanistan.Ĭharged with clearing improvised explosive devices from hundreds of kilometers of bumpy, dusty – and dangerous – roads in the war-torn country’s restive east, members of the 203rd served their nation doing one of the hardest jobs in theater. Back to topĪfter Afghanistan: Deadly tornado new test for Citizen-Soldiers ![]() “All of us greatly appreciate the non-stop work the Guard has been doing down here since day one and they continue to have my utmost confidence as they take on this monumental effort,” said Nixon. “They will come online as available and together with EPA contracts to remove hazardous debris will form the backbone of our debris removal program,” said Ward.Īt the same time, Task Force Southwest Twister continues their mission providing military police support at traffic control points and presence control. Additionally, Ward said the Corps of Engineers is already working to provide more contracts to aid in the effort. Ward said the debris will first be removed from public rights of way and will later expand to private property meeting the criteria.Įfforts began Tuesday in Sector D-6, which is in the heart of Joplin, the north central part of the affected area. In the coming weeks, you’re going to see a lot of progress.” “There’ll be trucks and loaders hauling off the debris starting this week. “You’ll start seeing progress immediately,” said Ward. As this mission continues, Ward said there will be a ramping up process with efforts steadily increasing as resources arrive. Ward, commander of Task Force Phoenix and the 110th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, is leading his team to aid the citizens of Missouri.Īn initial debris removal contract was awarded Sunday, which allows immediate debris removal to begin. Army Corps of Engineers, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Environmental Protection Agency, State Emergency Management Agency, Missouri Department of Natural Resources, City of Joplin, municipality of Duquesne, county governments and numerous other agencies are partners in the effort.Īrmy Col. President Barack Obama approved the federal funding needed to help with the expedited removal of debris, pledging the federal government will pay 90 percent of the debris removal cost. But we are here for the long haul, and removing the vast amount of debris is a key part of working with the people of Joplin to bring their city back.” It is a job that is going to take time, no question about it. “I’ve been clear from the start,” said Nixon. The National Guard will provide oversight to the federal resources coming to Joplin and the surrounding communities, Nixon said. Jay Nixon announced on Monday that Task Force Phoenix of the Missouri National Guard will supervise the cleanup and removal process of the millions of cubic yards of debris that remain from the deadly tornado that ripped through Joplin on May 22. ![]() Missouri Guard’s Task Force Phoenix leads debris removal Missouri Guard to supervise debris removal, cleanup per Gov. ![]() Missouri Guard unit erects mobile field hospital in shadow of damaged hospital.Missouri Governor: National Guard will spearhead federal cleanup project in Joplin.After Afghanistan: Deadly tornado new test for Citizen-Soldiers.Missouri Guard’s Task Force Phoenix leads debris removal. ![]()
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