Legislators should continue support of National Guard

By Mason City Globe Gazette

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When Iowa needs extra help in emergencies like natural disasters, it's in good hands.

When our state gets called to provide backing in the war on terror, it has good hands to send - often to dangerous places far away.

We're talking the National Guard here, and no matter what disagreements may occur in our state over politics or other hot-button issues, the Guard is a point of pride.

It's obvious, too, that the Guard is proud of its role. Its commander, Adjutant General Timothy Orr, gave his “Condition of the Guard” message last week to a joint session of the Legislature, telling lawmakers that Guard soldiers are as good as they've ever been - “among the most seasoned and experienced” troops in the organization's 170-year history.

More than 65 percent of the 9,400 active soldiers and airmen are combat veterans and more than 16,000 Guardsmen have served in Iraq and Afghanistan as well as in peacekeeping missions and domestic emergency actions.

For example, Orr told of 18 soldiers deployed in a motorist-assist operation during a blizzard in southeastern Iowa; They rescued 36 motorists in two days.

There are countless other stories like that. ...

But it's important that the Guard have the backing needed to do that job. So far, there's been no question about it.

Orr gave credit to lawmakers for keeping the Guard funded. He also made pleas for legislators to continue their support, particularly for educational assistance and home-ownership programs. ...

Our National Guard troops are among the nation's finest, and we have little doubt the Legislature will continue the funding needed to get the job done.