From Deseret News archives:
LDS church is a haven for fire troops
The emergency caused by severe wildfires in San Diego Country required the activation of the 1/160 Infantry Battalion of the California National Guard, and the soldiers needed to be housed. They were assigned to support the Escondido Police Department in securing the areas where fires had burned through residential neighborhoods.
The stake center was transformed from a shelter for church members Monday to a community evacuation center on Tuesday to a National Guard base on Wednesday.
The relationship between the church and military has spawned a mutual admiration society.
Stake President Allen Haynie said, "The soldiers have been absolutely spectacular."
And the acting commander of the National Guard unit, 1st Lt. Michael Harley, returned the compliment, saying, "It has been an absolute blessing to come to the church here."
He pointed out that the infantry unit is used to "sleeping in the dirt in the woods. ... Here, we feel like we're in a five-star resort."
The National Guard knew the local armory couldn't hold the number of soldiers coming, so working through the community, the contact was made with the church.
President Haynie said when he was working out the arrangements, the military commander said, "Tell us how to behave," and expressed an understanding of LDS church standards and a willingness for the soldiers to respect them.
Asked specifically about weapons, President Haynie said he understood this was a military unit and knew they needed their guns. Each soldier has an M-16 rifle, and some have 9-mm sidearms. But other than when they are going on or coming off duty, the soldiers usually store the guns together in sleeping quarters.
Cots are set up in the Primary room. The chapel and cultural hall overflow, as do hallways. The Relief Society room is equipped so the soldiers can sit and relax while watching television. There is also a computer connected to the Internet.
The cultural hall is set up with tables for eating, playing games or visiting.
The church mans the kitchen 24 hours a day, and there is always a priesthood holder in the building to answer questions or provide needed help. Area church members often drop in with goodies for the soldiers, and priesthood leader Uale Taotafa said Primary children showed up Friday afternoon with thank-you letters for the soldiers. In return, the soldiers showed off their humvees to the children.
