Special Guard unit wins certification

A special team of Iowa National Guard members are now certified to respond to terrorist attacks. It’s called the Weapons of Mass Destruction Civil Support Team. Guard spokesman Colonel Robert King says its 22 members will work with state and local officials to react quickly if some type of chemical, biological or other type of attack occurs.The team will have high-tech communications equipment to help local officials in meeting and reacting to the incident. King says the team can move quickly by air or ground in Iowa or other states if needed.It’s one of 32 such teams being funded by the federal government in an effort to bolster the nation’s homeland defense in the wake of the September 11th terrorist attacks. King says it helps local officials be prepared for anything.King says the 71st Civil Support Team is the first part of many efforts to increase homeland security.