Approximately 160 members of the Illinois Army National Guard are on their way to New York to with relief operations in the wake of what was Hurricane Irene.
"We're very, very proud of our Illinois National Guard and also our emergency management agency," Quinn said Sunday. "Whether it be a snowstorm in winter or a flood in the spring or a hurricane right before Labor Day, we're there to help and always have been."
An additional 1,000 Illinois National Guard Soldiers and Airmen are reporting to their respective units to prepare and train for hurricane relief efforts, Quinn said.
The Illinois National Guard is sending six UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters, two CH-47 Chinook helicopters, pilots and crew, ground support vehicles and operators, and command and control staff.
"We'll have a supporting role, carrying supplies wherever they're needed, transporting emergency personnel wherever they need to be transported," said Chief Warrant Officer Two Chris Lopez.
Units departing for New York that will prepare to provide hurricane relief include Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 106th Aviation Battalion, in Peoria and elements of Company A, 106th Aviation Battalion in Decatur; Company B, 106th Aviation Battalion in Chicago, and Company C and Company D, 106th Aviation Battalion in Peoria.
