MOORHEAD, Minn. - As flood waters loom in Moorhead, Minn., National Guard members patrol the streets to aid residents and local authorities in the fight against the flood.
Patrolling in a Humvee, Staff Sgt. Robin Mattson and Spc. Shawn Sims, both from the Moorhead-based 2nd Combined Arms Battalion, check water depths in the streets throughout Zone One of Moorhead.
They update their map with a multitude of colors signifying depths of one to two inches, three to five inches, six to twelve inches and more. They also keep track of the condition of standing temporary dikes and any new dikes that have been constructed.
The guardsmen stop along the route to speak with local residents. Wading through almost waist high waters in some areas, they make their way to the people anxiously watching temporary dikes in the roadways and alongside homes.
Residents update the guardsmen of water levels, current situations and the well-being of neighbors.
"I try to keep the mood light with a joke or just friendly small talk in hopes of helping to lift spirits," said Sims.
With a friendly wave, sometimes a smile and often a snap of a photo, residents are aware that the National Guard is here.
"The Guard is here in ready reserve to provide support if it gets worse.
Also, I think that the mere presence of guard members gives residents a better feeling of the situation," Staff Sgt. Mattson said.
Both Mattson and Sims spent over a year deployed to Iraq in 2006-2007 supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
The National Guard has a dual mission, operating for both the federal and state governments. The flood fight activation is an example of supporting the state.
Patrolling the streets gave the Soldiers a somewhat familiar feeling from their deployment, yet very different at the same time.
"Riding in this seat brings back memories of Iraq. It's a whole new feeling though, being able to help out people here, back home," said Sims.