2,500 Wisconsin Guard troops going to Florida for Irma recovery

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Members of the Wisconsin National Guard will head to Florida to help with the recovery from Hurricane Irma.

Officials said Sunday that more than 2,500 Wisconsin Guard troops will go to Florida.

Gov. Scott Walker says Wisconsin "stands ready to help our friends in Florida" who are bracing for Irma, one of the strongest Atlantic Ocean storms on record.

The Guard's mission will be determined when members arrive in Florida, but may include rescuing people trapped by floodwaters, preventing injuries and protecting property.

Among Wisconsin Guard units heading to Florida is the entire 32nd "Red Arrow" Infantry Brigade Combat Team, the largest unit in Wisconsin with soldiers across the state.