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National Guard Soldiers of the 186th Brigade Support Battalion Aid Flood-hit Vermont Communities
Berlin, VT – In reaction to the devastating floods recently experienced in various Vermont towns, soldiers from the 186th Brigade Support Battalion responded swiftly, providing much-needed aid. Over July 13-14, the battalion successfully delivered around 70,000 liters of water across 92 pallets, ensuring that crucial resources reached the communities in need.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), recognizing the urgent need for help, liaised with the Vermont Army National Guard to distribute these water supplies. Soldiers leveraged their skills and resources under state active-duty orders to carry out the mission.
U.S. Army Capt. Jimmy Fox, commander of Alpha Company (Distro), 186th Brigade Support Battalion, 86th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Mountain), Vermont Army National Guard, said, “We are here to assist and provide logistical support however we can help. Our unit worked diligently to receive water from FEMA and distribute it to communities in need after the initial flood damage.”
Sgt. 1st Class Anthony Degreenia, a motor vehicle operator also with Alpha Company, 186th BSB, commented on the successful logistical operation, which involved transporting the water using their unit’s Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Trucks with Load Handling Systems (HEMMT-LHS). “Seeing the relief on people’s faces as we pulled into town with the water supplies was truly gratifying,” he said.
FEMA delivered the water supplies to Edward F. Knapp State Airport in Berlin. From there, the Vermont National Guardsmen executed the unloading of trucks and loading of water onto HEMMTs and trailers.
In times of crisis, the state of Vermont and Vermont Emergency Management facilitate requests for water, supplies, and other resources. The Vermont Army National Guard’s delivery of 70,000 liters of water served as a response to such a request, bringing relief to areas with boil or do not drink water notices.
Speaking about the crucial role of the National Guard, Sgt. Jeffrey Coleman, a motor vehicle operator with Alpha Company, said, “This is why I joined the Vermont National Guard – to help our state when needed. When I heard about the activation for this mission, I knew I wanted to be involved.”
Source: Army National Guard
