Staff reports 11:22 a.m.
Wednesday, November 18, 2020 11:22 am
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Governor Sununu on Tuesday sent a letter the Trump Administration requesting that the 400 Guardsmen authorized for use in New Hampshire till the end of the year have their stint extended till at least March 31 as well as expanding its contingent to 900 beginning on Jan. 1.
"The mission requirements for the Guardsmen we have activated will not only continue, but will significantly increase beyond the current expiration date due to a myriad of medical, public health and economic challenges," he wrote. "Therefore, I am writing to request your authorization to retain up to 900 Guardsmen in a Title 32 status through March 31. The National Guard has played a critical role in our fight against COVID by conducting testing, performing COVID mapping, supporting warehouse and PPE distribution, and in the establishment of multiple alternate care sites/surge hospitals across the state.
Gov. Sununu added that the Guard's work has allowed schools to reopen, and for economic activity to occur.
"These missions must continue especially as we enter New Hampshire's harsh winter season," he said.
He also noted that New Hampshire's National Guard's support will be critical "to our ability to vaccinate the citizens of our state."
He also urged federal funding for the Guard's ongoing work as well as the upcoming vaccination effort.