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Randall Jeppesen reportingUtah's National Guard troops deployed to the border were up early this morning as part of President Bush's plan to deploy Guard troops in the area. They're starting their fourth day of work as they try to make the border secure and easier to patrol.
Troops are using a track hoe to install an eighteen foot tall metal fence. That's what Utah's National Guard troops are working on here this morning. They're also battling the intense heat as they continue the construction project.
Major Hank McIntire says three quarters of the troops at the border have served in Iraq and consider their current assignment a nice change. The guard members were up by four o'clock this morning so they could talk, eat and be out working by 5:30. The weather forecast along the border is expected to reach the century mark easily.
McIntire says medic teams will stay nearby to keep a close eye on the soldiers to make sure they don't become dehydrated. The border isn't what you would call a tropical paradise because of the dirt, sand and windy conditions. He says the working conditions remind him of the hot, dry conditions in Iraq.
McIntire says even the Arizona National Guard commanders have commented on how willing and how hard the Utah troops are working at the border.
Governor Huntsman announced he will make a visit Monday to the troops.
