OCTOBER 10, 2024 – Thousands of Florida National Guard members, backed by Guardsmen and resources from multiple states, positioned ahead of Hurricane Milton’s arrival to rescue people, clear roads and distribute vital supplies to storm victims.
Just two weeks after Hurricane Helene cut a devastating path through the Southeast, more than 5,100 National Guard Soldiers and Airmen from many other states mobilized before Hurricane Milton’s landfall in Florida as another 5,500 Guardsmen from 17 states continued to help victims of Hurricane Helene.
“As you mobilize and prepare for this new challenge, please know that the citizens you serve are extraordinarily grateful to see a Florida Guardsman at their doorstep, roving streets in vehicles and distributing commodities,“ Maj. Gen. John Haas, Florida adjutant general, said in a message to his troops. … “Our presence brings safety and security to many who have lost everything.“
Florida activated over 5,000 Guardsmen and secured the help of the National Guard in Arkansas, Ohio, Colorado, Louisiana, New York, New Jersey, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi and Virginia — with more help anticipated from other states.
Their joint resources included 22 helicopters, over 500 high-water vehicles and 13 boats.
“We are committed to providing the assistance Florida needs, just as they’ve done for us in the past,” said Maj. Gen. Thomas C. Friloux, adjutant general of Louisiana.
The Louisiana National Guard dispatched two UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters with eight Louisiana Guardsmen to staging sites near Tallahassee, Florida. Additionally, 500 Soldiers from the 225th Engineer Brigade were mobilized to clear debris and restore essential infrastructure.
“The Citizen-Soldiers and -Airmen of the Florida Guard have come to Louisiana’s aid on many occasions, and we are proud to offer our support in their time of need,” said Lt. Col. William Saint, Louisiana National Guard joint director of military support.
The New Jersey National Guard sent 80 Soldiers and 30 military vehicles from the 42nd Regional Support Group to Camp Blanding, where they will coordinate with the Florida Division of Emergency Management and the Florida National Guard.
“Our Soldiers are trained and ready to support our neighbors in need,” said Col. Yvonne L. Mays, acting adjutant general of New Jersey.
The New York National Guard chipped in 65 Soldiers and Airmen for search and rescue, medical and general support in Florida.
“The New York National Guard is ready to support our fellow citizens in Florida, as Hurricane Milton heads for their state,“ said Maj. Gen. Ray Shields, New York adjutant general. “Our Soldiers and Airmen are amazing in the way they respond on very short notice.”
The Colorado National Guard deployed one CH-47 Chinook helicopter and eight crew members from the 2nd General Support Aviation Battalion, 135th Regiment.
“Our unit has been closely following Hurricane Milton’s development and the National Guard’s response,” U.S. Army Lt. Col. Joe Bryant, commander, 2-135 GSAB said. “Last week the National Guard Bureau reached out to the force asking for available EMAC (Emergency Management Assistance Compact) aid. We responded, and they accepted.”
States responded to Florida’s request for support through the EMAC, the nation’s state-to-state mutual aid agreement. EMAC matches personnel, equipment and commodities to assist response and recovery efforts across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories.
Contributing:
Capt. Peter Drasutis, Louisiana National Guard Public Affairs Office;
Colorado National Guard Public Affairs;
Eric Durr, New York National Guard