SIKESTON -- When the Missouri's Army National Guard asked for volunteers in response to the President's request for heightened airline security, 26 members of Company C 1140th Engineering Battalion in Sikeston stepped forward. Today, two of those guardsmen are undergoing training to fill the first of 250 security spots.
The Guard said Friday that it was seeking 400 volunteers to conduct security checks at eight commercial airports. Sgt. First Class Keith Standridge said the local company took applications Friday through Sunday with 26 members of the company volunteering.
"We had quite an outpouring," said Standridge.
The individuals selected for training at Fort Leonard Wood are from New Madrid and Poplar Bluff, the commanding officers said. They will undergo checkpoint supervisor training from the Federal Aviation Administration before being deployed to the airports in St. Louis and Cape Girardeau.
By Monday, more than 700 guardsmen statewide had volunteered, said Guard spokeswoman Lt. Tamara Spicer. ''The Missouri National Guard just really answered the call,'' she said. ''I think a lot of people are feeling a sense of patriotism and really want to go to work.''
The initial deployment at Missouri airports probably will require about 250 people, Spicer said. But more could be used as the Guard provides airport protection for up to six months, she said.
Hundreds of Missouri National Guardsmen and reservists have been called to active duty as part of the response to the recent terrorist attacks.
The Army National Guard said Monday that 117 members of the 1138th Military Police Company in West Plains are being activated and are to report Wednesday to Fort Leonard Wood.
Meanwhile, the Air Force said another 117 Missourians are being ordered to active duty to support the North American Aerospace Defense Command.
They include 73 members of the 131st Security Forces Squadron, an Air National Guard unit from St. Louis, and 44 members of the 139th Security Forces Squadron, an Air Force Reserves unit from St. Joseph.
The Missouri personnel were among hundreds called up nationwide Monday as part of a step-by-step mobilization authorized by President Bush after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. Bush has authorized the Pentagon to call as many as 50,000 to active duty.
Last Thursday the Army called up 51 military police reservists in the St. Louis-based 6025th Garrison Support Unit.
Some of the information for this article was provided by the Associated Press.