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Coco Warner ReportingSeventy more members of the Utah Army National Guard left for devastated parts of the Gulf Coast today. They were given just 48 hours notice.
Today's troops went by ground to join the 60 guard members who took off from the air base yesterday. Hundreds more are on stand-by. The soldiers are headed to the flood ravaged parts of Louisiana to provide a security presence in Rita's aftermath.
This is the third convoy from the army national guard to leave Camp Williams today.
Major Hank McIntire, Utah National Guard:"We got the call just under two days ago, and we've already sent over 100 soldiers out and we got three to four hundred left to send and we'll have those arrangements made."
The short notice can be hard on guard members' families, but since September 11th it's a whole new world.
Specialist Brian Cornwell, Utah National Guard: "Yeah, they're kind of used to it-- it's rough on the wife, but she'll be all right."
Major Hank McIntire, Utah National Guard: "Ever since 9/11, being in the national guard is really no different than being in the active army. You have to be prepared to deploy when you're called, and spouses and family are extremely supportive. We could not do what we do without their support."
Private Mark Pickett, Utah National Guard: "They're excited. They know I enjoy doing this so they support me."
Today's convoy was made up of 30 vehicles and expect to see more take-offs from this air base. Guard officials say hundreds more may be sent to Louisiana soon.
