Mississippi National Guard distributes food, assists with high-water rescues in Isaac’s aftermath

By Army Sgt. Scott Tynes

102nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

GULFPORT, Miss. - The storm surge and rising flood waters of a lingering Hurricane Isaac have had a telling effect on those along the Mississippi Gulf Coast and more than 1500 Mississippi National Guard members have assisting local and state agencies presence patrols, search, food and water distribution and search and rescue operations.

That includes rescuing residents from high water and flooded areas.

“Our search and rescue teams have been extremely effective,” said Army Brig. Gen. Robert Thomas, commander of Joint Task Force Magnolia. “Our force has rescued approximately 50 individuals in Hancock County and numerous pets that were stranded in flooded areas. Mississippi National Guard search and rescue efforts have also expanded into Jackson County. The need to help residents there is present as well.”

On Wednesday, members of the Mississippi Guard assisted the American Red Cross with distributing food, water and other items in areas affected by the storm. 

“Many of the shelters began running out of food early this morning,” said Tech. Sgt. Domingo Rodriguez of the 47th Civil Support Team. “The American Red Cross called the National Guard for help in transporting food from storage areas out to where they needed most in the shelters.”

Mississippi Guard elements positioned along the coast sent convoys through the swirling winds and deluge of rain to Red Cross distribution centers to pick up food for delivery to shelters in their area of operation.

“We have more than 2,000 residents in our shelters now and more than 36,000 meals on hand,” said Jay Huffstatler, chapter executive for the South Mississippi Chapter of the Red Cross. “The Guard is helping us to get those out to the three coastal counties.”

Mississippi Guard members used high-clearance trucks to navigated flooded roadways and other areas to get to areas to distribute the food items to the shelters in need.

“Right now, people need food and that is what we are doing,” Army 1st Lt. Jessica Lee, of Company E, 106th Brigade Support Battalion.

 Many of the relief efforts would not be possible without the assistance of the Mississippi Guard, said Windy Swetman, Harrison County District 1 supervisor, adding that he appreciated the efforts of the Soldiers and Airmen.

“We know you have families and we appreciate the sacrifices being made,” he said.

 The Mississippi Guard will continue to provide additional support to local agencies through presence patrols and with search and rescue and other operations as needed.