Local troops on their way to help

SIKESTON -- The Missouri National Guard 1140th Engineer Battalion's Charlie Company returned from Iraq in March after over a year away from home. Now Charlie Company is on its way to assist with cleanup of debris left by Hurricane Katrina in Louisiana.

Fifty-two members of Charlie Company left this morning from the Sikeston Armory and will be deployed for 30 days or more.

"The 1140th is a very capable, professional unit and recently returned from serving their country overseas, and now they have the opportunity to serve their state and neighbors during a time of crisis," said Maj. David Kolarik, public affairs officer with Missouri National Guard in Jefferson City.

The 1140th, along with a unit of the 203rd Engineer Battalion from Carthage and a company from the 880th Engineer Dump Company from Dexter, will number approximately 500 when it arrives at England Air Park near Alexandria, La., said Lt. Col. Robert Jones.