HELENA — At the direction of Gov. Steve Bullock, more Montana National Guard soldiers and airmen have been activated for COVID-19 response.
The 73 soldiers and airmen will be screening individuals arriving in Montana from other states and countries.
Beginning Friday April 3, they will be present at airports in: Bozeman, Billings, Kalispell, Missoula, Helena, Great Falls and Butte.
The national Guard will also have a presence at train stations in: Whitefish, Havre, Shelby and Wolf Point.
Additionally, each location will have a Montana National Guard liaison officer to work with local Disaster and Emergency Services representatives, public health officials, airport management and Transportation Administration officials.
"At the request of the Governor, Montana National Guardsman volunteers are stepping forward across the state to assist in the on-going effort to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus. In this time of need, the National Guard team will conduct screening with professionalism and will always treat Montana citizens and visitors with the dignity and respect they are entitled to. We are preparing our Soldiers and Airmen to respond to all future requests for assistance to support communities across the state." said Major General Matthew Quinn, the Adjutant General and Montana COVID -19 Task Force Leader.
Members of the Montana National Guard had previously been activated by Gov. Bullock for COVID-19 response to assist in the arrival and transport of eight Montanans returning from quarantine at Dobbins Air Force Base in Georgia on Mar. 15.
