OCTOBER 16, 2024 – “The troops are here!” said Western North Carolina resident Rick Brite, who watched as a group of North Carolina National Guardsmen approached his property with reinforcements and heavy machinery.
Like many of their neighbors, Rick and Carla Brite woke up to discover the devastating aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene.
What was once a luscious yard filled with butterfly bushes, flowers and a small creek turned into what Carla described as “the Mississippi River.”
Raging waters surged down the mountainous terrain, carrying trees, rocks and even tires through Rick and Carla’s front yard.
As the waters died down, it was clear that their driveway connecting to the outside world had washed away, leaving a rock-filled creek in its wake.
Due to the newly created obstacle, Rick expressed concern about how they would obtain supplies or receive aid due to their health conditions.
Carla described the situation as “overwhelming and heartbreaking.”
On the morning of Oct. 9, a group of Tarheel Soldiers with the 236th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 875th Engineer Company, 883rd Engineer Company and the 875th Engineer Construction Company arrived with tools and a High Mobility Engineer Excavator ready to fix what Tropical Storm Helene destroyed.
“For us, it’s personal,” said 1st Lt. Hunter Maynor, assigned to the 236th Brigade Engineer Battalion. “These are our people, our friends and our neighbors.”
As the roads cleared, Maynor described how the State Bureau of Investigation and North Carolina Guardsmen traveled door to door to assess the needs of residents in the rural areas.
“It’s a beautiful thing,” Rick said. “I’m just thankful y’all showed up.”
The Tarheel team quickly got to work and within a couple of hours, Rick and Carla had a new bridge that crossed over the creek and connected them to the outside world.
“We’re locals here,” Maynor said. “So, this is us giving back to the community where we’ve grown up.”
With a new bridge and lifted spirits, Carla said the first thing she planned to do was visit her mother, who lived nearby.
Maynor said that the bridge built for the Brites was one of many, and the Guard worked tirelessly to assist more residents.
“Make way when you see the National Guard coming through,” said Rick. “Because they’re going to help someone.”
By Staff Sgt. Hannah Tarkelly
North Carolina National Guard