PHOENIX – Members of the Arizona National Guard will expand their logistics missions tonight, March 27, as Citizen Soldiers and Airmen will start filling shelves and clearing stockrooms of 87 grocery stores across 15 counties of the state.
These activities are a response to Gov. Doug Ducey’s order to activate the Guard last week to help grocery stores and foodbanks with logistical capacity to meet the rising demand of food and other goods triggered by fears of the COVID-19 outbreak.
“Our efforts are intended to reduce the concern that builds in the public when they see empty shelves,” said Maj. Gen. Michael T. McGuire, Arizona’s Adjutant General. “We are helping surge capacity for our retail partner’s distribution centers to secure and sustain the transport of food and supplies to where there is the greatest need.”
Within the Arizona National Guard there are more than 8,000 Citizen-Soldiers, Airmen and civilian employees each with specific skillsets to assist our local communities in bridging the immediate logistical gap. They will be working with our state’s civilian workforce and volunteer organizations to transport much needed supplies to stock grocery stores and foodbanks.
