CEDAR BLUFF, Va. - About 30 Soldiers from the Virginia National Guard's 1033rd Engineer Company departed their home armory here May 18 headed for West Virginia, where they are scheduled to assist with the state's flood recovery operations.
They will assist with debris removal and other clean-up operations after floods ravaged the area on May 8 and are schedule to be on duty for up to 30 days.
"We are very excited about this mission," said 1st Lt. Adam Provost, the commander of the 1033rd. "This is the mission most of us signed up for, and that's to help our neighbors and local communities. Fighting wars overseas is an important part of our job, but supporting our communities is why we joined the Guard."
The Soldiers are equipped with four 2.5 cubic-yard front-end loaders hauled by tractor trailers, eight 5-ton dump trucks and nine chain saw kits. The Soldiers will provide the necessary personnel support to operate and maintain the equipment.
"This is one of the more fulfilling missions we have in the Virginia National Guard, but also one of the most devastating when you see where your neighbors have lost everything," said Sgt. 1st Class Claude Dye, who served on flood recovery duty in West Virginia in 2001.
He saw firsthand the impact of severe flooding on the citizens living in flood-damaged areas.
Dye said that about 70 percent of the Soldiers on the mission just returned home from an overseas deployment about five months ago, and he hopes their experience and "mission first" mind set will set the example for the younger Soldiers in the unit.
The goal for the mission is to "hit it hard, get it done, and everyone comes home with 10 fingers and 10 toes," Dye said.
The request for assistance came through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact, a congressionally-ratified organization that provides form and structure to interstate mutual aid.
Through EMAC, a disaster-impacted state can request and receive assistance from other member states quickly and efficiently. Once the governor approves a request for assistance, the Virginia Guard determines what unit, personnel and equipment can best support the request.
"We welcome the chance to assist our neighbors in West Virginia during this time of need," said Maj. Gen. Robert B. Newman, Jr., the adjutant general of Virginia. "It is important that we all know that in a crisis where the health and welfare of citizens are at risk, no one stands alone. I am glad we can provide assistance, and I know if the tables were turned, we could count on assistance from other states here in Virginia."