IL National Guardsmen Deactivated from Irene Relief Efforts

The Illinois National Guard will stay in the Midwest after Hurricane Irene dealt a weaker blow to the East Coast than had been expected.

 

The Guard released a statement saying the 1,000 guardsmen activated for hurricane duty will stand down.

 

Federal officials decided the troops’ service would not be needed. Most of the guardsmen who were summoned for active duty,  will unpack and leave their units Monday afternoon.

 

Gov. Pat Quinn had ordered Saturday for the guardsmen to help with possible relief efforts.

 

Despite the "stand down" order, the Illinois National Guardsmen’s presence will still be felt  because the guard is sending eight helicopter units with about 160 support and command staff to affected areas.

 

Two helicopters will depart from Midway Airport Monday morning en route to , said Illinois National Guard Spokesman Major Brad Leighton. The remainder of the group will leave from Peoria and Decatur.