Effect of the GOP Shutdown on the Delaware National Guard

The Republicans have sent home 350 full time Delaware soldiers and airmen from the Delaware National Guard. From the DNG’s press release:

At 11:00 this morning, approximately 350 fulltime Soldiers and Airmen from the Delaware National Guard were sent home without pay until further notice. The 350 were uniformed Federal Technicians who serve as part of the 750-person fulltime staff of the Delaware National Guard.

They reported to work at 7am and were on duty for four hours. The time was spent providing instruction, answering questions, and referring them to resources available (unemployment, health insurance, financial counseling, etc) with regard to the government shutdown.

The shutdown places significant additional hardships on our workforce, which is already strained by recent administrative furloughs, said Maj. Gen. Frank Vavala, Delaware’s Adjutant General. Despite the substantial disruption and challenges, the Delaware National Guard can and will continue to support key military operations both here in the state and overseas.

“A shutdown of any length of time degrades readiness, but my immediate concern is for the 350 Soldiers and Airmen and their families who were essentially unemployed today,” said Vavala. “Making it worse is this shutdown comes on the heels of them being furloughed during the period of July through September as a result of sequestration. This will pose a significant challenge on numerous fronts.”

The Delaware National Guard employs a robust Family Support Staff and those support services, and many more, will remain available to those who were furloughed. “The Delaware National Guard is comprised of true professionals we will overcome any obstacles to support the mission and ensure our troops are taken care of,” explained Vavala.

The Delaware National Guard is comprised of 2,700 Hometown Heroes who support our country, state and community.