Blanco asks for quick return of National Guard in Iraq

[brettdale]

http://www.nola.com/newslogs/breakingtp

Blanco asks for quick return of National Guard in Iraq

Gov. Kathleen Blanco Friday night called on President Bush to order the expeditious return to the state of the 256th Brigade Combat team of the National Guard which is now serving in Iraq because they are needed in Hurricane Katrina cleanup and rescue efforts.

The unit, based in Lafayette, is expected to be phased out of Iraq and return to the state in the coming weeks.

“They are urgently needed needed here at home,’’ Blanco said. She told Bush that the unit is needed to become “part of the recovery efforts in their home state.’’

Blanco also called on Bush to have military officials set up another base for humanitarian relief in Baton Rouge. The only one that is now in operation is in Pineville in central Louisiana.

She also asked for communications assistance for governmental agencies, including radios with higher capacity, 25 more frequencies and 1,000 additional portable radios.

“I want aerial and ground firefighting support to address the growing danger of fire,’’ Blanco told Bush in the two-page letter. She also asked for a more military trucks and other vehicles as well as 175 generators and additional fuel.

[bee]

1. hmmmm

wonder how this will turn out.
:popcorn: