These brave souls weren't soldiers by trade. They were farmers, doctors, and blacksmiths. But to protect their new home in the Massachusetts Bay Colony, they joined hands and formed militia units during times of common danger. A swollen river can become a raging torrent with just an inch more rain. Out of a blustery night sky, a twister can pounce on a sleeping suburban town.
Fluffy snowflakes can be the seeds of a deadly blizzard.
This is why the greatest strengths of the Army National Guard are its speed and its proximity. Because there are Guard units in cities and towns all over America, and state's governor can send the Guard directly into action. Guard members are men and women that not only know how to deal with local emergencies, they also know the lay of the land, giving them every possible advantage. Almost every month, newspapers chronicle the brave and humanitarian deeds of Guard members. Scores of lives are saved, millions of dollars in property are spared, and families are helped to weather violent storms.