NASHVILLE, Tenn. – At the request of the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency, nearly 300 Soldiers and Airmen with the Tennessee National Guard continue to support state, county, and local emergency responders across Middle and West Tennessee, following snow, ice, and freezing rain from Winter Storm Fern.

Guardsmen are working tirelessly in 23 counties across the state of Tennessee, partnered with Tennessee Department of Transportation, Tennessee Department of Agriculture, and numerous other state and local agencies, where they assist with the removal of trees and debris impeding linemen, perform health and welfare checks on those without power, and support various agencies as they repair infrastructure.

In Davidson County, nearly 180 Soldiers and Airmen are supporting recovery efforts. National Guard teams are partnered with Nashville Electric Services, Tennessee Department of Transportation, Nashville Department of Transportation, and other state and local agencies where they are utilizing skid steers and chainsaws to assist with the removal of trees and debris impeding NES linemen. The Tennessee Guardsmen are organized into 3-4 person “Cut and Toss” teams, primarily clearing trees so NES can access downed and damaged powerlines and restore power. Today these Guardsmen supported NES along Clonmel Road, Overton Road, the Richland Meadows subdivision, and various other sites.

Guardsmen are performing similar missions in 22 other counties that include Cheatham, Chester, Clay, Davidson, Decatur, Dickson, Hardeman, Hardin, Henderson, Hickman, Lawrence, Lewis, Macon, Maury, McNairy, Perry, Robertson, Rutherford, Shelby, Sumner, Wayne, Williamson, and Wilson Counties. These National Guardsmen have partnered with their respective county Emergency Management Agencies and the U.S. and Tennessee Forestry Services to open roadways and restore power to Tennesseans. In Perry County, Soldiers with Chattanooga’s 35th Division Sustainment Brigade are also performing health and welfare checks and assisting at a local warming shelter. Guardsmen in Shelby County assisted with transporting patients to area hospitals.

“I’m incredibly proud of all that our Soldiers and Airmen and doing to help during this disaster,” said Maj. Gen. Warrner Ross, Tennessee’s Adjutant General. “They are working around the clock to help get power restored and make sure Tennesseans are safe.”

Guardsmen were initially activated when the storm hit to assist stranded motorists, perform health and welfare checks, transport medical personnel to area hospitals, and other tasks as needed. Currently, their primary focus is removing downed trees impeding travel and access to powerlines for repair as well as other missions as needed.

The Tennessee National Guard responds to emergencies at the request and direction of the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency. Should anyone need assistance, please make that request through TEMA.