Ohio National Guard

The Ohio National Guard will soon have to end its pandemic-related missions, including its first assignment in the coronavirus crisis – helping Ohio’s 12 food banks with the huge job of getting food to increasing numbers of people who need it.

The Ohio National Guard is returning to the state after being called to Washington, DC to secure demonstrations in the District. However, members of the guard are still in some Ohio cities as protesters continue to demonstrate against the deaths of George Floyd and other black people killed by police.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating a member of the Ohio National Guard after federal officials, Gov. Mike DeWine says, revealed information they say indicates the guard member expressed white supremacist ideology online before being deployed to assist with protest security in Washington, D.C.

In his regular coronavirus briefing Friday, DeWine told reporters the unidentified guard member is suspended from all missions as the investigation continues.

Hours before the city's first night of curfew Saturday, Columbus Police dispersed downtown protestors following a day of contentious demonstrations over the killing of George Floyd. Police cars were parked on nearly every street, cordoning off the area and leaving the area empty.

Gov. Mike DeWine is calling the Ohio National Guard into service after three days of violent protests in downtown Columbus.

Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther announced a city-wide curfew from 10 p.m.-6 a.m. beginning Saturday. Anyone on the streets past then can be arrested, he said. 

Ohio National Guard members have been performing a variety of duties during the COVID19 pandemic. But the roles of members are changing a bit as time progresses.

There have been at least 674 deaths from coronavirus at nursing homes in Ohio, which is 43% of the state’s confirmed COVID-19 deaths. After saying for weeks that nursing home residents who have symptoms are tested but limitations prevented mass testing, there’s a plan for more tests in long-term care facilities.

The Ohio National Guard’s Military Reserve soldiers have been helping out at food banks, but they are also collecting and distributing personal protective equipment to people who need it. 

Gov. Mike DeWine is authorizing the Ohio National Guard to go help a federal prison located in the state. He's also considering the possibility of more release recommendations for Ohio's prisons.

Leaders of Ohio’s foodbanks say they are overwhelmed by the demand on their services right now. They’re urging the federal government to increase food stamp benefits by 15% and asking Ohio’s leaders to kick in $25 million dollars to help pay for emergency services. 

The Ohio National Guard is working with public health leaders all around the state in what they say is a coordinated effort to prepare for the peak of the coronavirus.

Ohio National Guard members are working at three Southwest Ohio food banks, stepping into the roles normally filled by volunteers. Governor Mike DeWine activated the Guard last week in light of the coronavirus pandemic.

The Ohio National Guard is being deployed on Monday to help with the state’s coronavirus response. But the Guard’s leader wants to make it clear what they will not be doing.