Active duty Utah National Guardsmen working from home in virus effort

Apr 15, 2020, 3:08 PM | Updated: 6:23 pm

Utah national guard COVID 1...

Parachute riggers at Camp Williams are making face masks. (Photo credit: Utah National Guard)

(Photo credit: Utah National Guard)

DRAPER — Dozens of Utah National Guard soldiers and airmen are helping the state of Utah respond to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. Some of them were called up to active duty, but have to remain home because of social distancing guidelines.

“We have about 20 soldiers working on a traceback mission for COVID-19,” said Lt. Col. D.J. Gibb in an interview with KSL Newsradio.

They are working with the Utah Department of Health, contacting civilians who have tested positive or who are showing symptoms. Those 20 soldiers were called up to active duty, and are serving at home.

PARACHUTE RIGGERS

Others, like 12 parachute riggers from the 19th Special Forces group, are simply changing their duties. That group is making face masks to follow recent Department of Defense guidance on the use of face coverings.

“Our goal right now is to build about 2,000 face masks for our members here in the National Guard,” said Lt. Col. Gibb.

UTAH NATIONAL GUARD TRANSLATION SERVICES

Soldiers in the traceback mission come from the 310th Military Intelligence Brigade, which is also providing linguists.

“One of the first missions that we had was putting about 20 linguists to work translating COVID-19 documents so that others in the state that didn’t speak English could access the information,” said Lt. Col. Gibb.

The Guard says translations include Spanish, Arabic, Nepali, Russian, Karen, French, Chinese, Vietnamese, Portuguese, Burmese, Farsi and Korean.

MORE HELP FROM THE UTAH NATIONAL GUARD

Members of the 151st Air Refueling Wing helped load humanitarian relief onto an Ecuadorian cargo aircraft last week. It was arranged by Utah-based Charity Anywhere.

Seven others are helping the Utah Emergency Operations Center with logistics and planning. Two members of the 85th Weapons of Mass Destruction-Civil Support Team are embedded with the Governor’s task force.

“These soldiers and airmen bring significant skill to this challenge and are at their best when they are supporting their fellow Utahns,” said Brig. Gen. Michael J. Turley in a news release.

“We stand ready to help our state, by helping our neighbors.”

 

How To Prevent the Spread of COVID-19 Coronavirus 

COVID-19 coronavirus is transmitted from person to person. It is a virus that is similar to the common cold and the flu. So, to prevent it from spreading: 

  • Wash hands frequently and thoroughly, with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds.  
  • Don’t touch your face. 
  • Keep children and those with compromised immune systems away from someone who is coughing or sneezing (in this instance, at least six feet) 
  • If there is an outbreak near you, practice social distancing (stay at home, instead of going to the movies, sports events, or other activities.) 
  • Get a flu shot. 

Resources for more information: 

State of Utah:  https://coronavirus.utah.gov/ 

Utah State Board of Education 

Utah Hospital Association 

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 

Utah Coronavirus Information Line – 1-800-456-7707 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 

Commonly asked questions, World Health Organization 

Cases in the United States 

 

 

 

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Freshly-made pennies sit in a bin at the U.S. Mint in Denver on Aug. 15, 2007....

Jill Colvin, Associated Press

Trump says he has directed US Treasury to stop minting new pennies, citing rising cost

President Donald Trump says he has directed the Treasury Department to stop minting new pennies, citing the rising cost of producion.

1 hour ago

The U.S. Capitol is seen, Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)...

Allessandra Harris Gurr

Privilege tax may be added to the Point of the Mountain

A proposed bill may bring a privilege tax to the Point of the Mountain development.

3 hours ago

FILE: The Utah State Capitol is pictured in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025. (Laura Seitz,...

Mariah Maynes

Anglers coalition to host Utah fishing day at Capitol

Utah Anglers Coalition is set to host a day highlighting Utah fishing at the state capitol.

14 hours ago

President Donald Trump speaks to reporters aboard Air Force One where Trump signed a proclamation d...

JILL COLVIN Associated Press

Trump says he is serious about Canada becoming 51st state in Super Bowl interview

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump said he is serious about wanting Canada to become the 51st state in an interview that aired Sunday during the Super Bowl preshow. “Yeah it is,” Trump told Fox News Channel’s Bret Baier when asked whether his talk of annexing Canada is “a real thing” — as Canadian Prime […]

15 hours ago

This photo provided by Bud Light shows Bud Light's 2025 Super Bowl NFL football spot.  ( Bud Light ...

Mariah Maynes

Super Bowl commercials rely on comedy and nostalgia to avoid potential missteps

Most of the commercials airing during this year's Super Bowl are going for laughs, with advertisers betting that America could use a little break.

16 hours ago

Kansas City Chiefs fan Rose Loftus, 9, from Dallas, ties her hair while wearing a Taylor Swift frie...

DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports Writer

Taylor Swift makes her Super Bowl return to watch Travis Kelce and his Chiefs face the Eagles

Taylor Swift was spotted in a Superdome suite about 90 minutes before the 2025 Super Bowl kickoff.

17 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

Full speed through the snow. A man on skis is pulled by his through the snow at full gallop Skijori...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Get ready for an unforgettable skijoring adventure in Bear Lake!

“Skijoring the Bear” takes place this year on February 21-22 in Garden City, Utah.

the bedroom in a geodesic dome shows the night sky...

Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon

Your front row to an extraordinary cosmos show

As America's first glass dome stargazing resort, Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon is one of the world’s most unique and spectacular places to stay.

2 people huddled up in a blanket and warm clothes sipping hot chocolate...

Bear Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau

The best ways to spend your Christmas vacation in Bear Lake

If you're dreaming of a white Christmas this year, Bear Lake should definitely be on your radar. Read this guide for more!

big crowd of people under holiday lights in an outdoor market...

Western Nut

Our favorite family Christmas activities in Utah

We gathered up a list of our favorite activities, movies, and treats to try this holiday season that the whole family can enjoy.

an IT tech looks at a laptop in front of a server network...

Comcast Business

Tips to protect yourself from phishing attacks

Check out this resource from Comcast Business to learn more about phishing attacks and how to protect yourself from becoming a victim of one.

A surprise gift, wrapped and ready to bring holiday cheer! Whether for Christmas, a birthday, or an...

Western Nut

10 Holiday Gift Ideas to cover everyone on your list

This guide is for you if you need holiday gift ideas that will make a lasting impression. 

Active duty Utah National Guardsmen working from home in virus effort