An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Home : News : Article View
NEWS | Oct. 25, 2021

Ohio National Guard answers the call in Louisiana

By Stephanie Beougher, Ohio National Guard Public Affairs

COLUMBUS, Ohio – After Hurricane Ida left a path of destruction through Louisiana in late August, military personnel from across the country deployed to the state to help with recovery efforts.

About 170 Ohio Army National Guard members from several units within the 112th Transportation Battalion, with headquarters in North Canton, Ohio, were among the approximately 3,500 National Guard members from multiple states who answered Louisiana's call for assistance.

"Seeing all of these Soldiers volunteer to leave their full-time jobs and families to come down to Louisiana and help is incredible," said Capt. Ebony Pugh, commander of the 1486th Transportation Company based in Mansfield, Ohio. "I think it's the most heroic thing I've seen in a long time."

The Ohio Guard members provided transportation with about 70 vehicles and point of distribution, or "POD," commodity support to the Louisiana National Guard Sept. 13-25. They conducted 31 transportation missions and distributed meals, water and tarps to nearly 8,000 residents in Louisiana's Terrebonne Parish.

Lt. Col. Robert E. Lytton III, the 112th Transportation Battalion commander, saw firsthand the professionalism of the Ohio Soldiers during the deployment.

"Our Soldiers maintained high morale and stayed positive throughout mission changes and in a very fluid operational environment," Lytton said. "They were so happy to be able to provide direct aid in the affected areas. Leading these professionals and seeing the outstanding work they did was inspiring and it was one of the proudest moments of my career."

Cpl. Tiffany Stadelman was one of those who deployed with the 1486th.

"The Hurricane Ida relief mission was a humbling experience," Stadelman said. "It was extraordinary to get the opportunity to help those in need firsthand, as well as see the strength and positivity of those who lost so much. I loved being able to help do what the National Guard is all about."

Gov. Mike DeWine deployed the Ohio National Guard on state active duty through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact, or EMAC, an interstate mutual aid agreement that acts as a complement to the national disaster response system to provide timely and cost-effective assistance to impacted areas.

Staff Sgt. Gregory Stevens of the Louisiana National Guard contributed to this story.

 

 

Related Articles
Mississippi National Guard 2nd Lt. Austin Riels, assigned to the 113th Military Police Company, 112th Military Police Battalion, waves vehicles through a traffic control point after Hurricane Ida, Grand Isle, Louisiana, Sept. 17, 2021.
National Guard neighbors help Louisiana rebuild after Ida
By Staff Sgt. Gregory Stevens, | Oct. 1, 2021
NEW ORLEANS – Every military service member understands sacrifice and selfless service are part of the big picture before taking an oath to defend the United States. After Hurricane Ida ripped through Louisiana Aug. 29,...

The U.S. Air Forces in Europe - Air Forces Africa Command Surgeon and staff, along with the Ohio National Guard, visit medical students and doctors at the American Corner prior to attending the Platinum Wolf 25 Distinguished Visitor day in Bujanovac, Serbia, June 26, 2025. PW25 is an exercise focused on regional stability, partnership, and interoperability between the U.S., regional forces, and the Serbian Armed Forces, marking the first time Stamp and his staff attended in support of the medical teams that participated in the exercise.
Ohio Guard Attends Exercise Platinum Wolf in Serbia
By 1st Lt. Kaseyann Cornwall, | July 3, 2025
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany – Several high-ranking officials from U.S. Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa, or USAFE-AFAFRICA, and the Ohio National Guard participated in the June 26 Distinguished Visitor day at Exercise...

One hundred and fifty National Guard Soldiers from five states trained together at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, Oct. 28-31 to prepare for the 42nd Infantry Division headquarters Middle East deployment next summer.
National Guard Soldiers Train for Middle East Mission
By Lt. Col. Jean Kratzer, | Nov. 7, 2024
FORT LEAVENWORTH, Kan. - One hundred and fifty National Guard Soldiers from five states trained together at Fort Leavenworth Oct. 28-31 to prepare for the 42nd Infantry Division headquarters Middle East deployment next...