Armory becomes home to displaced residents after tornado

Photo By Master Sgt. John Angelo | Minneapolis police, health and human services, the Red Cross and many other agencies work together to assist more than 400 people that were displaced by a tornado that went through the neighborhood Sunday night, May 23. The N.E. Minneapolis Armory, the home of the Minnesota National Guard's 84th Troop Command, became the center of operations and the temporary home to the displaced residents.  

MINNEAPOLIS, MN, UNITED STATES

05.23.2011

Story by Sgt. John Angelo 

Minnesota National Guard

MINNEAPOLIS - Minneapolis police, health and human services, the Red Cross and many other agencies work together to assist more than 200 people that were displaced by a tornado that went through the North Minneapolis neighborhood Sunday night, May 23. The N.E. Minneapolis Armory, the home of the Minnesota National Guards 84th Troop Command, became the center of operations and the temporary home to the displaced residents.

The tornado carved a path through the western suburbs Sunday evening damaging homes, businesses and flipping over railway cars.

The Minnesota Department of Health is the lead agency and 50 representatives from the Red Cross, the Minneapolis Police Department, City of Minneapolis Public Health, Minneapolis City Emergency Preparedness team and many others are on site. The mayor of Minneapolis, RT Rybak was also on hand. They are using the armory to assist, temporarily shelter and help relocate the displaced residents.

Staff Sgt. Nelson M.L. Moore Sr., a cook for troop command was the first Guard member on the scene.

“I heard that people were being sent to the armory and I immediately headed down,” said Moore. “It was overwhelming seeing everyone down, but I just pulled up my bootstraps and drove on.”

The Red Cross has already prepared more than 600 meals for the residents and volunteers.

“I’m helping the Red Cross, but they are following my lead since it’s my kitchen,” said Moore proudly. “The Red Cross is bringing sack lunches in this afternoon. If people are still here tonight we are going to make them another hot meal.

The City of Minneapolis and Red Cross officials stated that approximate usage of the N.E. Minneapolis Armory will be three days.

“My family supports everything that I do,” said Moore. “My wife volunteered five hours last night and she’s back here today. I’m glad for the support of my family to help protect the state and the nation.”

• Date Taken: 05.23.2011
• Date Posted: 05.25.2011 14:22
• Story ID: 71060
• Location: MINNEAPOLIS, MN, US