RAPID CITY, S.D. - More than 340 SDNG Citizen-Soldiers are actively combating flood conditions in the Red River Valley, and 18 Citizen-Soldiers and equipment are pre-positioned in Aberdeen to respond to possible deteriorating flood conditions along Moccasin Creek, where the James and Elm Rivers meet near Columbia, and along the Red River Valley near Fargo, N.D.
"We are performing our mission, helping prevent property damage and threats to life and limb of the citizens," said Sgt. Theanne Tangen a member of the 129th mobile public affairs detachment (MPAD), Sioux Falls, S.D.
The SDNG has provided personnel and resources to key flood fighting areas; filling, storing and distributing sandbags; patrolling dikes, breaking ice jams, providing security and operating traffic control points, and helping/rescuing stranded citizens threatened by flood waters.
"It's a shock to see the amounts of water they (residents) have to deal with, especially when you see street signs and stop lights within a few feet of being completely submerged," said Sgt. 1st Class Chris Schimke. "It feels great to be here and help out our neighbors in need."
These Soldiers, along with leadership from the 153 rd Engineer Battalion went on a recon this afternoon to become familiar with the dikes they are assigned to patrol during their 12 hour shift to report leaks or breaches to the North Dakota joint operations center.