CONCORD, N.H. –
To the Soldiers, Airmen, and Civilian Employees of the NHNG,
As we begin week seven of COVID-19 relief missions for the state of New Hampshire, just over 500 guardsmen are supporting eight different missions across the state, an increase of more than 140 soldiers and airmen since my last update.
From helping distribute food to an estimated 750 families in the North Country this past weekend, to the 12th Civil Support Team fielding its first mobile lab Friday to test staff and residents of long term care facilities, the NHNG has been an omnipresent force of good.
The difference each of you has made in the lives of your fellow citizens has been immeasurable. Countless instances of our men and women in uniform going above and beyond the task at hand and leading with their heart speaks volumes about your character and integrity.
Last week, Maj. Tori Scearbo, lead nurse for the 157th Medical Command and an RN at Portsmouth Regional Hospital, ensured one of her patients did not die alone. She stayed with the elderly man, who had been quarantined 17 days with COVID-19. In a video chat aired on WMUR, his daughter had a chance to personally thank Scearbo, calling her an angel. "I will never, ever forget you, and I will never forget your dad," Scearbo told her. "You're always going to be with us, too,” the daughter said.
We have stood up five, separate task forces – Distribution, Medical, Housing, Call Center and Security – to track our COVID-19 relief efforts and provide the infrastructure to handle the increased workload. In addition to our mobile testing lab, we will also start assisting state health officials with contact mapping and by manning six additional testing sites throughout the state this week.
As our missions continue, remember to safeguard against complacency and rumors. Stay informed. Maintain social distancing and hygiene protocols. If you are struggling financially or emotionally, contact the FAC’s 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.
Thank you for not only doing your job, but also for the courage to approach it with such caring and empathy.
Sincerely,
Major General David Mikolaities
Adjutant General
New Hampshire National Guard