RICHMOND, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – The Virginia National Guard says it’s gearing up now to support Florida’s Hurricane Milton efforts while winding down Hurricane Helene support in Virginia. VNG’s Cotton Puryear says they’ve already sent a Blackhawk helicopter to Florida, and they’re now mustering 225 soldiers and airmen to provide, engineer, transportation, and general support capabilities. Virginia Guard Brigadier General Todd Hubbard says based on Milton’s track, Florida’s going to need our help. Departure times are still to be determined.

In Virginia, the Guard has approximately 10 Soldiers continuing a water pipeline damage assessment mission in the Abingdon area. As many as 40 Soldiers were on duty in the area providing high mobility transport, debris reduction with chain saws and food and water distribution.
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