Families support loved ones as National Guardsmen prepare for Dorian impacts

Governor DeSantis has activated 4,500 Florida National Guardsmen with thousands of them stationed in Florida, ready to help; Some from right here in Southwest Florida.

Elisha Murray serves his family every day. He’s a husband and a father of three kids ages six, three and one.

He also serves us as a member of the Florida National Guard.

“It’s very rewarding,” said his wife, Latima Murray.

Latima Murray’s husband is on duty, waiting to respond to the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian. She knows the feeling of leaving family behind, as she is a former member of the National Guard who went to Iraq.

“We’re very proud because just to be of help to someone who’s experiencing a natural disaster, to see that smile on their faces when they get a pack of water or food or help move something from their home that has them trapped,” she said.

Elisha Murray is one of hundreds of guard members now stationed around the state.
Lyann Ferguson’s uncle, Sergeant Jesse Bass is also one of them.

“He’s a hero to us knowing that he’s going out there leaving his own family to help others,” said Ferguson.

Guard members have spent the last couple days preparing to deliver water, food and supplies. They will also help in the search for anyone unaccounted for after Dorian passes.

“We are proud to know that we have him in our family out there helping others,” said Ferguson. “He’s with a great group of guys in his unit, so they’ll be okay, they’ll be great.”

When we asked how excited Latima Murray is to see her husband when he comes home, she said, “Oh gosh! I’ll probably jump all over him! I’ll be really happy when he’s home…a sense of relief.”

A sense of relief, after a willing sacrifice.

Our #Soldiers and #Airmen are all over the state, ready for whatever Hurricane #Dorian brings our way. #FloridaFirst #RightReadyRelevant #FLNGAlwaysThere #HurricaneDorian pic.twitter.com/nH3ndR1yOI

— FloridaNationalGuard (@FLGuard) September 3, 2019