Iowa National Guard soldiers from the 1133rd transportation company based in Mason City and Iowa City are on the road this week delivering medical personal protective equipment.
Guard spokesperson Col. Michael Wunn said the group dropped off supplies in ten counties Tuesday and were expected to visit distribution sites in 21 more counties Wednesday.
"The National Guard has a unique role to play because it’s both a state entity and a federal entity and so we have unique capabilities with our equipment and the trained personnel that we have,” he said.
Wunn added, “It (the capability) is available to the governor for her to call up in a time of need and that's really what’s she’s doing now as the situation develops and unfolds.”
Wunn said soldiers this week also delivered and assembled two large tents in Oskaloosa for the Mahaska County Health Partnership. He said he expects the missions to continue for the foreseeable future.
Wunn says there are currently 42 service members in a State Active Duty status.