WHEELING, W. Va. – The West Virginia National Guard continues to work with local, state and volunteer partners on flood recovery operations in the severely damaged communities of Marion and Ohio counties.
Maj. Gen. Jim Seward, adjutant general of West Virginia, visited Ohio County on June 24, surveying flood recovery efforts while also recognizing the hard work of about 110 service members helping with flood cleanup.
Despite the extreme heat and humidity, the teams have removed almost 4,000 tons of flood debris in Ohio County since June 23, bringing the total to nearly 10,000 tons removed.
Director of Joint Operations Col. Anthony Justice said the volunteers and community support are at an all-time high.
“I have been doing this for 25 years and I have never seen this level of support for a small community,” said Justice, whose team has been running round-the-clock since the emergency began.
Lou Vargo, director of the Wheeling–Ohio County Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency, and his team also have been invaluable partners, Justice said. Justice praised the operational capabilities that have significantly increased the speed and ease of recovery.
After severe flash flooding in West Virginia’s Ohio and Marion counties that began late on June 14, Soldiers and Airmen with the West Virginia National Guard were mobilized at Gov. Patrick Morrissey’s direction, resulting in troops and equipment on the ground since June 16.
Through efficient planning and collaboration with local and state partners, Ohio County has seen a significant reduction in residual flood debris. The West Virginia National Guard and its joint partners are fully committed to Morrisey’s recovery efforts and serving the residents of West Virginia.
Soldiers of the 115th Engineer Vertical Construction Company, 119th Engineer Company (Sapper), 601st Engineer Support Company, 821st Engineer Construction Company, 1092nd Engineer Battalion and 150th Cavalry Regiment, and Airmen with the 167th and 130th Airlift Wings, continue to partner with emergency managers, public works, community members, local businesses and volunteers to support debris removal and community assessments.