SALEM, Ore. – Gov. Kate Brown thanked members of the Oregon Army National Guard Feb. 14 for their search-and-rescue efforts during recent flooding in the state.
Brown had declared a state of emergency for Umatilla, Union and Wallowa counties because of flooding. Three Oregon Army National Guard helicopters were initially called out by Umatilla County to support search-and-rescue operations. Two Pendleton-based CH-47 Chinooks provided aerial reconnaissance and an HH-60M medevac Black Hawk based out of Salem supported the rescue of five people the first evening.
Thanks to Oregon Army National Guard flight crews, 54 people, 10 dogs, one cat and one rabbit were rescued and transported from the flooded areas via helicopter.
"I couldn't be more proud of your Oregon National Guard members and their efforts supporting flooding this month," said Maj. Gen. Michael Stencel, Oregon adjutant general. "They truly embody our core values of character, competence, courage and commitment while demonstrating that we truly are part of our communities."
"These Oregon National Guard members took part in the largest search-and-rescue operation in Oregon's history," said Stephen Bomar, director of public Affairs, Oregon Military Department. "They did an amazing job supporting the community and saving lives."
The governor recognized the Salem and Pendleton flight crews and presented them with medals.
In Salem, members of G. Company, 1-189 Aviation, Capt. David Sous, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Brian Roche, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Corey Wadsworth, Chief Warrant Officer 2 Michael Newgard, Staff Sgt. Dan Cleveland, Sgt. Joey Brixey, Sgt. James Gale and Sgt. Johnny Kilroy were awarded Oregon Meritorious Service Medals.
In Pendleton, the medals were awarded to members of Detachment 1 B., 1-168 Aviation, Capt. Taylor Frye, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Ray Talkington, Chief Warrant Officer 2 Jeremiah Williams, Staff Sgt. Steven Kirkpatrick, Sgt. Joseph Ford, Sgt. Marcus Hickman and Sgt. Skylar Leasy.
Chief Warrant Officer 2 Steven McDaniel, Staff Sgt. Matthew Taylor and Sgt. Katelyn Shurts, also members of Detachment 1 B., 1-168 Aviation, were presented with Oregon Commendation Medals.
The Oregon Army National Guard has six CH-47 Chinooks, 12 HH-60M Black Hawks and four UH-72 Lakotas, which are often used in search-and-rescue operations.
The Oregon Office of Emergency Management coordinated search-and-rescue and interagency collaboration throughout the operations.