Samantha Malone
With Puerto Rico still recovering from the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, Illinois is doing its part by sending in about 150 Army National Guard service members to aid in any way possible.
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Coming one month after Gov. Bruce Rauner sent a letter to the U.S. territory’s Gov. Ricardo Rosello, Puerto Rico requested assistance and agreed to reimburse the state for all expenses, according to NBC. The costs are estimated at $948,000, according to a release by Rauner’s office.
Related: One Chicagoan couldn’t sit idle so she traveled to Puerto Rico to provide relief
These 150 men and women will join the 60 airmen from the Illinois Air National Guard who are already on the island aiding in the relief process, according to Belleville News. The service men and women will be providing addition security to the U.S territory as well as escorting convoys and conducting law enforcement patrols.
“The people of Illinois prove time and time again that we rally together in times of crisis,” Rauner said. “Our fellow Americans need us. Many of them have lost everything [and] I’m proud that we can step up and send our Guard troops in to help relieve some of the pressure they’re experiencing in Puerto Rico.”
Related: Chicago firefighters run toward disaster to aid Puerto Rico in recovering from devastation
Hurricane Maria left Puerto Rico in a state of devastation, cutting of power and many other supplies and the territory called for help, giving Illinois a chance to respond. While the death toll stands at 55, many suspect the number may be much higher as they continue to crawl toward recovery.
