(Columbia) March 22, 2003 - Governor Mark Sanford is preparing for a trip to Alabama for two weeks of Air Force Reserve training near Montgomery beginning early Sunday morning.

Sanford will leave the comfort of the governor's mansion for barracks and small living quarters to complete his Reserve Commissioned Officer training as a first lieutenant.

To keep up with state business, Sanford will have nightly conference calls with Chief of Staff Fred Carter. Sanford said a team is in place to conduct everyday responsibilities and to continue to support his legislative agendas. Sanford insisted that if a serious disaster or emergency took place, he would only be a few hours away if anything required his immediate presence.

Posted 5:55pm by Andrew Pierrotti with The State