HELENA — Dozens of Montana National Guard soldiers and airmen have been preparing after Gov. Steve Bullock activated them for COVID-19 response.
The guardsmen learned on Thursday how to properly screen people using thermometers and wear protective equipment.
Seventy-three soldiers and airmen began working at airports and rail stations across the state on Friday.
They'll screen passengers getting off planes and trains with their permission and follow up with information for anyone who needs it. The mission might be different from others, but the goal is the same.
"It's not a ‘go to war’ mission. It's a ‘Montanans taking care of Montanans’ mission and that's really what we're all about,” Lt. Col. Chad Roudebush explained. “The people you'll see in these terminals are from the very communities that they're supporting or very near."
Guardsmen say this is about educating people and helping to slow the spread of the virus.
