Southeastern Regions Maintain Military Presence as Hurricane Remediation Persists
Hurricane Helene and Milton: Disaster Relief Unleashes National Guard Heroes
The Southeastern United States is no stranger to hurricanes, and recent days have seen the arrival of Army and Air National Guardsmen from far-off lands like New York and Alaska to aid in the relief efforts of Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
Milton wreaked havoc on October 9, just two weeks after Helene, which made landfall on September 26 and caused extensive damage in western North Carolina. Florida National Guard troops hadn't expected to lend a helping hand so soon, as Florida is typically the receiving end due to being the first state impacted. But the unanticipated size and nature of these hurricanes led to them reaching numerous states in rapid succession.
Troops from Florida travelled to North Carolina under the Emergency Management Assistance Compact, allowing National Guard units from different states to help each other out in times of need. They moved food, water, and other supplies, conducted rescue missions, and cleared roads of fallen trees and debris to ensure first responders could reach affected areas.
In situations when the troops in the impacted state are unable to mobilize due to their own homes being destroyed, the assistance from other states becomes crucial. However, the Florida troops had to return home quickly to prepare for Milton as it intensified.
"We had to work very fast to get our Soldiers back home so they could pack up [for extended duty] and be here in Orlando by 6 p.m. on Sunday and integrate with the 856th by Monday morning," noted 2nd Lt. Brandi Ruth, a quartermaster officer with the Florida National Guard.
The Guardsmen's work significantly aids recovery efforts. Nearly 3,000 Guardsmen from over 20 states joined forces to distribute supplies, clear roads, and carry out rescue operations in the aftermath of these hurricanes.
Army Lt. Col Arthur Gaines, Florida Joint Force Headquarters Deputy Director of Military Support, expressed appreciation for the aid, stating "Their help has been extremely beneficial...We were preparing for a Category 5 storm and fortunately for us, it did not impact Florida to that scale."
More than 5,000 Guardsmen from multiple states were deployed during this hurricane season, with the number reaching over 11,000 at the peak of Hurricane Milton relief operations. They rescued 330 people and 39 pets, cleared 2,316 miles of road and 5,989 cubic yards of debris, and provided emergency supplies such as food, water, tarps, and ice to communities in need.
Unfortunately, ongoing relief and recovery efforts are still necessary in Florida, North Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, and southwest Florida, where more than 11,000 National Guard Soldiers and Airmen continue their missions. They are on the ground delivering food, water, generators, hay for livestock, and aiding in locating the remains of storm victims.
Outstanding teamwork and assistance from all involved have made these disaster relief efforts possible. The Florida Guard, already worn out after Hurricane Debby and a major training exercise, still presses on.
"We're tired, I'm not going to lie," said Col. Blake Heidelberg, director of military support for the Florida National Guard. "We'd like a break." But the work continues, ensuring that the affected areas receive help in their time of need.
Insight:
National Guard units play an essential role in disaster relief, coordinating operations at both state and federal levels. Guardsmen carry out search and rescue missions, distribute aid, repair infrastructure, provide medical support, and maintain public order and safety. They are often deployed from other states to aid communities impacted beyond their own resources, following collaborative agreements like the Emergency Management Assistance Compact. Their efforts save lives and provide much-needed assistance during natural disasters like Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
- The Florida National Guard, despite being worn out from previous events, is still active in the aviation sector, transporting aid to affected areas during the ongoing relief efforts for Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
- The military, recognizing the extensive damage caused by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, has mobilized space assets to monitor weather patterns and support emergency response operations in the Southeastern United States.
- The air force has been instrumental in distributing relief supplies, deploying aircraft to transport food, water, and other essential items to communities in need, aiding in the overall security and swift recovery from these natural disasters.
