By:Doug Miller
On the bright side, when they return to Long Beach, commuters may get to see the latest in military assault weaponry up close.
Soldiers from New York's Army National Guard are stationed at the Long Beach station at least through next week, according to Scott Sandman, a civilian spokesman for the Albany-based unit. "The soldiers are operating as part of National Special Security Event RNC," for Republican National Convention, Sandman said. "They are part of the general support operations, and are not tied to any information on any specific location."
In other words, the soldiers' presence should not be interpreted to mean that Long Beach has been targeted by evil-doers? "Exactly," Sandman said.
The soldiers will be dressed in full camouflage and carry M-16 rifles, radios and sidearms. Sandman would not comment on where in the station they would be deployed or for how long, or what their specific purpose is.
On Tuesday afternoon, the soldiers were present, but not always easy to find - their position was not visible to most commuters in the station. A soldier who identified himself as Staff Sgt. Gianelli, but would not give his first name, referred all of a reporter's questions to the Office of Emergency Management. He carried a card printed with a "soldier's guide" to dealing with media requests.
A Herald photographer attempted to take a picture of two of the soldiers. They ducked out of the way, then met the photographer on the platform, where they politely but firmly insisted that photos not be taken.
One of the soldiers, who would not give his name, thanked the photographer for his understanding, then added, "and enjoy this awesome weather."
