HYDEN, Ky. – The Kentucky Army National Guard’s 207th Engineer Construction Company helped respond to floods that damaged Eastern Kentucky, removing debris and clearing roads.
Twenty-seven Soldiers, including five qualified as horizontal construction engineers, used two dump trucks, three high mobility engineer excavators and a grader to clear debris in Leslie, Pike and Martin counties in late February.
The 207th Engineers cleared major roads blocked in a mudslide and removed large rocks from culverts to allow water to properly flow through stream channels. The 207th ECC also graded roads that were impassable so residents could safely reach their homes.
Spc. Charlie Hudson of Breathitt County was among those serving on the mission.
“Honestly it means the world to me, and it’s one of the biggest reasons why I joined the Guard,” said Hudson. “It means that I could stay in my local community and help the people that I love and know and be able to make a difference.”
Sgts. A.J. Stidham of Perry County and Shane Wilson of Leslie County, both with the 207th ECC, agreed.
The Soldiers said the people of eastern Kentucky support them as Kentucky Guardsmen and first responders.
The Kentucky National Guard and emergency management officials have worked closely over the past several years to facilitate the best possible response in emergencies while safeguarding lives and restoring the community to normal as quickly as possible.