Governor Martz Supports President Bush’s Request for National Guard Activation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 27, 2001
Contact: Mike Foster
406-444-5523

(Helena) - Governor Judy Martz today expressed her full support for any call-up of National Guard personnel in Montana to provide for security at commercial airports.

“I am committed to providing those services requested by President Bush to assist in national security efforts,” Governor Martz said. “And I share this commitment with all of the governors who were a part of the briefing by the White House this morning. Our nation’s airports and airlines are critical for this country’s commerce. We must ensure that air service throughout our nation continues, and utilizing National Guard personnel to increase safety measures is a necessary measure to meet those goals.”

According to President Bush, full implementation of an extensive security proposal may take four to six months. President Bush has requested in the interim a strong security presence with assistance from the National Guard.

“The individuals who will serve in this capacity will receive training in airport security techniques from the Federal Aviation Administration,” said Governor Martz. “This is a very effective approach, as it would be incredibly difficult to find this number of highly trained individuals elsewhere.”

Governor Martz will be briefed again tomorrow to receive additional details and information from the White House.

“We don’t yet know the number of individuals who will be asked to serve our country in this capacity,” Governor Martz said. “We will be receiving instructions specific to each commercial airport to determine the level of security and will proceed as requested.”

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