LANSING, Mich. (WXYZ) — The Michigan National Guard will continue to help in the state's effort to fight COVID-19 through at least mid-August.
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said President Trump approved her request sent last month to extend federal deployment until at least Aug. 21.
“The Michigan National Guard has been instrumental in our efforts to flatten the curve and mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and will continue to play a vital role as we slowly and safely reopen our economy,” Whitmer said in a release. “We need to keep working to expand testing and this extension will ensure we can continue to ramp up testing throughout the state. Moving too fast without the tests we need could put Michigan at risk of a second wave of infections.”
The Guard has helped distribute Personal Protective Equipment, food, medical supplies, disinfect places and help the state health department with testing.
Guard members will continue to receive federal pay and benefits, and will qualify for federal retirement and education benefits made available under the GI bill.
“The Michigan National Guard looks forward to continuing its work with Governor Whitmer in our state’s response to COVID-19,” said Maj. Gen. Paul Rogers, Adjutant General and Director of the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA). “This approval allows Michigan National Guard members to continue to serve our communities and protect Michigan families.”
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