KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Tennessee National Guard soldiers on their way to Mississippi for annual training were detoured to help out in the recovery of the Gulf Coast after Hurricane Gustav.
About 400 Guardsmen from the Cookeville-based 2nd Squadron, 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment were sent to help support the relief efforts. They joined about 600 other Tennessee National Guard soldiers also assisting in the hurricane cleanup.
Capt. Troy Bishop said they were sent to Baton Rouge, La., on Tuesday, shortly after arriving at Camp Shelby in Mississippi. Bishop said the city is still waiting on power to be restored and duties include directing traffic, backing up police patrols, guarding stores and helping hand out supplies.
The 278th is the state's largest unit and is expected deploy next year for a second tour in Iraq.
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