The Wisconsin National Guard is limiting its response to Hurricane Irma to just the 650 troops already there at the request of Florida on Tuesday.
All troops on their way to Florida are returning to Wisconsin, while those waiting to leave will stay in the state, according to the state Department of Military Affairs.
Some troops left Tuesday morning from Appleton and Oconomowoc and had to turn around.
“Many are suffering in the wake of Hurricane Irma, but it is good news that the storms overall impact was less severe than anticipated,” Maj. Gen. Don Dunbar, Wisconsin's adjutant general, said. “Florida is doing a fantastic job of managing the situation with their resources and those that have already responded from Wisconsin and other states.”
More than 2,500 Wisconsin National Guard troops originally mobilized to state active duty this week after Florida asked for help through an Emergency Management Assistance Compact request.
“I'm extremely proud of the professionalism and dedication of our Soldiers and Airmen in the Wisconsin National Guard,” Dunbar said. “Wisconsin's response to Hurricane Irma is an incredible demonstration of the National Guard's readiness to respond on a massive scale on short notice.”
The entire 32nd "Red Arrow" Infrantry Brigade Combat Team were among the troops called to state active duty.
