HARRISBURG, Pa. - Soldiers from the Pennsylvania Counterdrug Joint Task Force assisted local residents by sealing 13 vacant homes here throughout May.
The Soldiers responded to a call from a local nonprofit organization and worked in conjunction with city officials in making the neighborhood a safer place.
Experienced construction engineers were assembled from throughout the Pennsylvania National Guard to create a temporary task force to accomplish the mission.
The Soldiers fastened boards over the windows and doors, securing the condemned homes from unauthorized entry.
“I am happy to lend a hand with my carpentry skills to ensure the mission is a success,” said 1st Lt. Chad Korrell, Pennsylvania Army National Guard Medical Detachment, and an engineer and member of the counterdrug task force.
This mission was not unique for the Pennsylvania Counterdrug Joint Task Force, who has performed similar missions in other communities statewide.
“This is one of many missions we do partnering with local communities and agencies in combating drug trafficking,” said Maj. Kraig Kiehl, executive officer for the Pennsylvania Counterdrug Joint Task Force. “It’s always great to be able to give something back, and we received a lot of positive feedback from the community.”
The Pennsylvania National Guard counterdrug program’s mission is to support the detection, interdiction, disruption, and curtailment of drug trafficking activities and use through the application of military unique skills and resources. Founded in 1989, the Pennsylvania counterdrug program is comprised of Air and Army National Guard members and Department of Military and Veteran Affairs state employees, and is headquartered at Fort Indiantown Gap.