CONCORD, N.H. –
To the Soldiers, Airmen, and Civilian Employees of the NHNG,
Eighteen days and 19 emergency declarations into New Hampshire’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, you continue to perform with uncommon grace and professionalism. As of today, the New Hampshire National Guard is supporting six different missions across the state.
By the end of the week, we expect to have nine additional care sites set up or near completion to include Manchester, Nashua (two), Durham, Keene, Concord, Plymouth, Littleton and Lebanon. The surge facilities will create up to 1,600 additional beds for patients affected by COVID-19. We are also working with the state’s hospitality industry to identify lodging for first responders, healthcare workers and those displaced by the crisis.
Concurrently, we have guardsmen supporting warehouse operations to receive and deliver critical supplies from the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS). Another detail is supporting cyber-related tasks at the state’s Emergency Operations Center.
In total, 45 NH guardsmen have been activated statewide. Another 20 full-timers are working in direct support of those missions. Hundreds more of our soldiers and airmen are ready to assist. Behind the scenes, the rest of you are doing the little things that may sometimes go unnoticed, but are just as mission critical whether it’s disinfecting our facilities, maintaining our aircraft, vehicles and equipment, or keeping the books.
In the coming days and weeks, more will be expected of us.
Continue to follow current protocols so that you can take care of yourselves and your families. Remember our 83 deployed soldiers and airmen, to include their families. Family Assistance Centers (FAC) are on call 24/7. If you are having emotional or financial difficulties, reach out through the FACs resource and referral number at 1-877-598-0666, the Airman and Family Readiness Program Coordinator at 603-828-3892, or our Care Coordination Program at 1-888-989-9924.
I join Governor Sununu, our congressional delegation, and especially our city and town leaders who have expressed their sincere gratitude and pride for your dedication and commitment. You truly represent the best of our state and nation.
Sincerely,
Major General David Mikolaities
djutant General
New Hampshire National Guard