LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC 36 NEWS NOW) —  As crews continue to work around the clock clearing roads and restoring power across the state, travel conditions are still dangerous in many areas. That’s where the Kentucky National Guard comes in, they’ve been activated and among their duties, helping essential workers, mostly in healthcare get to their destination. “That’s what we’re here for, that’s our motto, always ready, always there. And so it’s important for us to be able to maintain that mantra,” says Staff Sergeant, Eli Johnson with the Kentucky National Guard. Helping those in healthcare, “I live in Lexington and our roads are pretty much non drivable in my neighborhood with an inch thick of ice on my car, so I couldn’t even get into my car. I called work and they told me to call the National Guard. They would expedite my trip to work, it was incredible,” says Carrie Newman, who works in Frankfort, her job is essential in the cardiac monitor room. When the governor activated the national guard, they became in charge of missions. In this case, hospitals reach out to the guard and request help to get their essential workers to and from work. Newman describes her job as the eyes for nurses and doctors. “I monitor about anywhere, an average of 20 to 50 patients a night,” she adds. The guardsmen picked her up in a humvee. Newman says the most important factor was getting to work safe and sound. “Staff Sergeant (Johnson) and (Sgt.) Mendoza were excellent companions, very friendly. Assisted me with my bags, if you ever need any help, call the National Guard. They will get you to work. And just stay safe, stay at home, be comfortable and stay healthy,” said Newman. Those at the National Guard say it’s a sense of pride to be able to support communities in time of need. This snowstorm has stopped a lot of things, a lot of people still have to work. And so it’s important to us to be able to assist getting those folks to work and making sure that our hospitals, nursing homes can still operate and take care of our sick and elderly people,” added SSgt. Johnson. And while many of us are still dealing with the aftermath, the guard says it likes being able to have the one on one interaction with neighbors. “We get to know them a little bit, where they’re from. In some cases, they’re not from Kentucky,” added Sergeant Romel Mendoza. “We’re ready to help, and we’re more than willing to do whatever it takes to achieve the mission,” also said SSgt. Johnson. If you are an essential worker and need assistance, call the Kentucky National Guard, 502-607-1000. Categories: Featured, Local News, News Tags: Icy Conditions, kentucky national guard, KY, national guard, Road Conditions, winter storm