Trump Approves Michigan Request For Extended National Guard Use

MICHIGAN — The Michigan National Guard will continue its efforts to combat the coronavirus pandemic after President Donald Trump on Wednesday extended federal deployment until Aug. 21.

The extension comes after Gov. Gretchen Whitmer sent a letter to the president on May 27 urging him to extend the deployment as the state works to reopen its economy.

“The Michigan National Guard has been instrumental in our efforts to flatten the curve and mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and will continue to play a vital role as we slowly and safely reopen our economy,” Whitmer said. “We need to keep working to expand testing and this extension will ensure we can continue to ramp up testing throughout the state. Moving too fast without the tests we need could put Michigan at risk of a second wave of infections.”

Don't miss important updates from health and government officials on the impact of the coronavirus in Michigan. Sign up for Patch's daily newsletters and email alerts.

The Michigan National Guard has played a critical role in flattening the curve of coronavirus cases in Michigan by distributing personal protective equipment, food and medical supplies, providing warehousing support, disinfecting public spaces and assisting the Department of Health and Human Services with testing, Whitmer's office noted in a news release.

The extended deployment allows Michigan National Guard members to receive federal pay and benefits. The deployment was set to expire on June 24 due to a deadline set by the Trump Administration.

In addition to allowing Michigan to fully utilize the National Guard for recovery and reopening efforts, the extension means that many National Guard members will qualify for federal retirement and education benefits made available under the GI Bill. Without an extension, some National Guard members would not have been eligible to receive these benefits.

“The Michigan National Guard looks forward to continuing its work with Governor Whitmer in our state’s response to COVID-19,” said Maj. Gen. Paul Rogers, Adjutant General and Director of the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA). “This approval allows Michigan National Guard members to continue to serve our communities and protect Michigan families.”