LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — Right now, about 800 members of the Nevada National Guard have been tapped to help with coronavirus relief efforts across the state.
Major General Ondra Berry has spent 34 years in the Nevada National Guard and said the men and women who serve in this capacity are locals who want to make a difference.
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“When you see people in uniform, we’re dispensers of hope," he said. "We’re the people that live next door to you. We’re the ones that you know, and that’s what separates the guard from active duty."
There are currently about 4,000 members statewide. Some are part of the Air Force, some are part of the Army, and there are also some civilians.
Major General Berry said the National Guard has three main tasks: help the U.S. win national wars, protect our homelands and keep strong partnerships.
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This current call to duty falls under the second category.
Members have been tasked with helping distribute supplies, a task Sergeant Jalyn Todd says is very rewarding.
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“I love seeing the happy faces," she said.
"When the facilities have the directors come pick their supplies up, they’re just super grateful and super happy," she explained. "And that’s really what we’re doing it for."
