Displaying not only a piece of our famous “Minnesota Nice” but also that we as Americans can and do come together to support one another, Governor Dayton has approved sending 11 of our National Guard members to help with Hurricane Harvey relief efforts. Our soldiers will join a growing group of Guardsmen from across our country being activated to help in Texas.
They do not have a predetermined amount of time they will be deployed; the soldiers will stay as long as needed to help citizens impacted by storm and protect their lives and property as well.
The 11 soldiers come from the Minnesota National Guard’s 34th Combat Aviation Brigade. The Minnesota National Guard’s 34th Combat Aviation Brigade is an Army National Guard unit that supports disaster response operations by providing aviation capabilities – both UH-60 Black Hawk and CH-47 Chinook helicopters.
They departed September first from St. Cloud via CH-47 Chinook Helicopters. They will help conduct aviation operations in Texas, such as search and rescue. Colonel Shawn Manke, the 34th Combat Aviatian Brigade commander was happy to be able to help: “We train for this type of mission and we’re glad that we can assist the people of Texas with this type of professional support.”
Governor Dayton had this to say about sending the troops and helicopters to help: “I am glad that Minnesota will be able to assist the victims of the terrible tragedy in Texas, with 11 Minnesota National Guard soldiers accompanying two Chinook helicopters to join in relief efforts. I thank Major General Nash for his leadership, and the brave Minnesota soldiers, who will travel to Texas to provide this critical relief. I encourage all Minnesotans, who are able, to donate to the qualified relief efforts. Minnesota stands ready to assist in any way we can.”
(Information found from this press release)
