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[et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text”]Army Sgt. 1st Class Cody Colewell and Staff Sgt. Dillon Harding secure care packages to the top of a vehicle at Riverside Elementary School in Ingalls, N.C., Oct. 14, 2024. The soldiers partnered with teachers from the school to visit students and families affected by Hurricane Helene to deliver the packages and supplies.

In the wake of hurricanes Helene and Milton, the U.S. military has mobilized a substantial force to assist with relief efforts across the Southeastern United States. More than 11,000 National Guard Soldiers and Airmen were deployed to provide critical support, which included rescuing individuals from floodwaters, clearing debris, and distributing essential supplies like food and water to the affected communities. This extensive operation saw Guardsmen from 19 states coming together to aid in the recovery, demonstrating significant coordination across various military and civilian agencies to mitigate the storm’s impact.

In Florida, the approach of Hurricane Milton prompted the mobilization of over 6,500 National Guardsmen who were prepared with 26 helicopters, over 500 high-water vehicles, and more than a dozen boats to handle the aftermath. These efforts were crucial in addressing the immediate dangers posed by the hurricane, such as flooding and blocked roads, ensuring that those in peril received timely assistance.

Meanwhile, the response to Hurricane Helene involved nearly 1,000 soldiers from locations such as Fort Liberty, NC, and Fort Campbell, KY, who were deployed specifically to Western North Carolina. This region, severely affected by the hurricane, benefitted from the soldiers’ efforts in clearing emergency routes and providing necessary resources to the devastated areas.

This mobilization underscores the military’s pivotal role in national disaster response, showcasing not only the capability and readiness of armed forces to respond to domestic crises but also their dedication to serving and protecting the communities at their most vulnerable moments. The collective efforts of these military personnel, often working in harsh conditions and under significant personal risk, highlight a profound commitment to duty and service.[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column]
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