WAVERLY, Tenn. – More than 80 Soldiers and Airmen from the Tennessee National Guard are supporting recovery operations in Humphreys County following severe flooding.
Guardsmen from the 194th Engineer Brigade, headquartered in Jackson, are using bulldozers, dump trucks, and other heavy equipment to help restore roadways and clear debris.
Guard members are also helping state and local emergency personnel with security and traffic control and distributing supplies.
“While we are conducting debris removal operations, we are also providing security and access control in affected areas,” said Maj. Kevin Carroll, officer in charge of Task Force Engineer. “We are also coordinating with local law enforcement on water resupply missions, ensuring members of the community and volunteers have access to potable drinking water.”
Of the Guard members activated, more than 50 are from the 194th, including engineers and military police. The 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment based in Knoxville; 230th Sustainment Brigade headquartered in Chattanooga; 118th Wing in Nashville; and 134th Air Refueling Wing in Knoxville have also provided Guardsmen for the relief efforts. Nashville’s Joint Force Headquarters continues to operate its Mobile Communications Center to establish emergency communications.
“I couldn’t be prouder of the work our Guardsmen are doing out here,” said Carroll. “These are our neighbors, and this could’ve happened in our own communities, so that’s why we’re out here doing all we can to help.”
The Tennessee National Guard will continue to work with the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency and local emergency management officials to assist in recovery efforts for as long as they are needed.