Up to 1,000 Guard members respond to Massachusetts tornadoes Published June 2, 2011 By Army Staff Sgt. Jim Greenhill National Guard Bureau ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) -- Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick ordered up to 1,000 National Guard members to support civilian authorities after tornadoes caused property damage and power outages across the state June 1. About 450 Soldiers and Airmen already were on duty June 2, Massachusetts National Guard officials said. Among other duties, Guard members were expected to assist with damage assessment, debris removal, health and wellness checks, route clearance, traffic control points and road closures, Guard officials reported. Air Guard officials were assessing possible damage at the Barnes Air National Guard Base near Westfield, Mass.