CONCORD, N.H. –
To the Soldiers, Airmen, and Civilian Employees of the NHNG,
It’s hard to believe eight weeks have come to a close. Nearly an entire summer vacation has passed since schools closed, stay-at-home orders were issued and the New Hampshire National Guard mobilized in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
By far, this has been the most comprehensive and protracted response to a domestic crisis in modern history for the National Guard. As Gov. Chris Sununu said during a recent press conference, “The Guard has been an incredible resource for the state.”
To date, 589 NH National Guard soldiers and airmen are directly involved in relief efforts. Five separate task forces are running eight lines of effort concurrently.
This weekend our soldiers and airmen handed out nearly 47,000 pounds of food to an estimated 600 families at a mobile food pantry in Gorham, operated a mobile COVID testing site, and manned five other fixed locations across the state for citizens unable to access clinics for testing. They fielded hundreds of unemployment claims at call centers set up throughout the capitol region, monitored the state’s domain against cyber-attacks, stored or moved thousands of pounds of PPE, managed hotel operations and began COVID mapping operations out of the Grappone Center in Concord. They are also providing security and medical screening support for both our own guardsmen and state employees involved in COVID support operations.
Our deployed soldiers and airmen, 86 in all, continue to do their part overseas supporting combat operations in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere throughout the Middle East. Three guardsmen continue to support the Southwest Border mission, while eight others are supporting stateside missions.
As our work continues, 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.
Sincerely,
Major General David Mikolaities
Adjutant General
New Hampshire National Guard