Marathon terror: Massachusetts National Guard supports Boston police

4/16/2013 - HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. – The Massachusetts National Guard continued Tuesday to bolster local and state authorities following the Monday explosions at the Boston Marathon.

Three people, including an eight-year-old boy, were killed and more than 140 wounded.

“We offer our deepest sympathy and prayers to the victims of the explosions in Boston today. We are here to assist the Boston Police and provide additional support as it is requested,” Brig. Gen. Paul G. Smith, the assistant adjutant general-Army for the Massachusetts National Guard, said Monday.

Early Tuesday, the Massachusetts National Guard reported more than 1,000 personnel on duty, with that number expected to decrease as the day progressed. Rhode Island and New York also provided troop support.

All the Guard members are accounted for and none were reported injured following the twin blasts.

In a brief nationwide speech Monday night, President Barack Obama acknowledged the Guard’s contribution:

“Boston police, firefighters and first responders, as well as The National Guard, responded heroically and continue to do so as we speak. It’s a reminder that so many Americans serve and sacrifice on our behalf every single day without regard to their own safety, in dangerous and difficult circumstances, and we salute all those who assisted in responding so quickly and professionally to this tragedy,” the president said.

The 211th Military Police Battalion has been called upon to provide security. The Guard is also staging transportation assets such as buses (5-10) and four helicopters.

Additionally, the Massachusetts National Guard’s 387th Ordnance Company (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) has been activated; and the 267th Combat Communications Squadron’s Joint Incident Site Communications Capability (JISCC) is headed to Boston to assist with interagency communication. (A JISCC is a wireless broadband that provides computers, web access and telephones to deployed personnel. Its own satellite makes it a stand-alone system. It enables state and local emergency responders with communications capabilities.)