BEAUFORT, S.C. - Soldiers from the 351st Aviation Support Battalion from Hartsville, S.C. distributed water to the Sun City community in Beaufort County during the Vigilant Guard 2008 exercise April 23.
This exercise was a first for the citizens of this retirement community and allowed them to be full partners in preparations for any planned disaster drills and or emergencies.
"I think it's great that the National Guard is coming here to practice," said Jane Hartsig, a 13-year resident of Sun City. "It really makes me feel secure."
Staff Sgt. Richard Sherman, a section chief from Alpha Company said in this scenario we had reports of low water pressure and possible water contamination.
Although the unit is designed for aviation support, in an emergency this is what they would be called to do, explained Sherman.
"We would broadcast the water distribution information on emergency frequencies," Sherman said.
At the distribution point there was a Soldier regulating incoming traffic. There were three stations with multiple soldiers handing out bottles or cases of water.
Many residents thanked the Soldiers repeatedly as they handed out bottles of water.
"I think it's outstanding that they are here and we are very appreciative," said Mari-Jo Zibbler, a resident of Sun City.
Along with securing water for the community during a disaster, over 100 Soldiers from the 218th Brigade Charlie Company 118th Infantry from Gaffney S.C., conducted a search and rescue operation to cover the 6,000 acres of Sun City.
The search and rescue mission served as training to locate victims and determine the extent of the damage.
According to Barry Turner, the chief of the Bluffton Township Fire Department, the Soldiers are being given a map of a section of the community. Before the troops move out they are broken down into two man teams and assigned to prioritized streets.
"The Soldiers will report in 30 minute intervals to update the blocks they have searched and the percentage of the area they have completed," said Turner. "They will have a questionnaire to assess each house."
On the back of the sheet they will mark the house with a slash for damaged and an "X" for not safe. If the house is unsafe the soldier will list the time, any personal hazards, the number of injured and any casualties.
"During a natural disaster local resources will be taxed and unable to conduct search and rescue operations in densely populated areas," Turner said. "The National Guard provides the man-power necessary to accomplish this mission."