If you notice an increase of military vehicles on the road and in the air July 21, do not be alarmed.  It is likely part of the PATRIOT15 disaster readiness training exercise sponsored by the National Guard.                                          

A natural disaster can strike at any time.  PATRIOT15 provides a realistic training opportunity for those involved with providing support in the aftermath of a natural disaster.  The majority of the exercise will be conducted at Volk Field Combat Readiness Training Center; however, there will be some activity near and around Mile Bluff Medical Center in Mauston. 

"As exciting as it might seem to get up close to this training, we thank you for your cooperation in allowing the response teams the space needed in order to complete their duties without interruption from the public or local media representatives," Mile Bluff Director of Public Relations Kathy Behnke said in a statement.

The National Guard will document the event with pictures; so watch for follow-up reports later this summer.  For imagery and news during the exercise, please visit: https://www.dvidshub.net/feature/Patriot15 or https://www.facebook.com/NationalGuardPatriotExercise. 

PATRIOT15 is a great opportunity for all involved, and will help to provide additional emergency response training for the organizations participating.