Photo By Staff Sgt. Christopher Vann | Soldiers from Alpha Battery, 1st Battalion, 265th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, load...... read more read more
Subscribe
Whether securing bridges or handing out meals, Soldiers from the New Jersey’s National Guard’s 253rd Transportation Company descended into Florida to take over operations as needed from the Florida National Guard 1st Battalion, 265th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, following the devastation brought forth by Hurricane Irma., Sept. 14, 2017.
Capt. Samuel Waltzer, the officer-in-charge of the New Jersey National Guard 253rd Transportation Company, said he was enthusiastic to head south and serve the citizens of Florida, despite the 1,300 mile journey. He noted that their experiences with Hurricanes Irene and Sandy, has helped them to be prepared to assist with disaster response to Hurricane Irma.
“It’s an honor to be called from so far away to help out fellow National Guardsmen and the citizens of Florida,” said Waltzer. “The New Jersey National Guard is dedicated to helping our brothers and sisters in arms, as well as the citizens of America.”
Sgt. Jamela Passmore, a Soldier from the Florida National Guard’s Alpha Battery, 1-265th Air Defense Artillery, welcomed the chance to give back to her fellow Floridians, and work alongside the New Jersey unit, as they assist in relief efforts. Passmore, a resident of Tampa, has seen the effects of previous hurricanes and knew that the job would be tough, but rewarding.
“Alpha Battery has been an important part in the relief efforts in northeast Florida," said Passmore. "We’ve been tasked to do multiple missions to provide first responder relief.”
With the arrival of the incoming company of Soldiers, Passmore knows what the job entails, and plans to work diligently to help get the new team up to speed.
“We’ve done everything from securing bridges before being cleared by the DOT (Department of Transportation) to make sure it’s safe for civilians to pass, to conducting high-water vehicle evacuation missions, to help provide relief and assistance to people who needed help getting out of their homes," said Passmore. “I’m confident, the New Jersey unit will continue to provide the high-level of dedication to the civilians, that we did.”
Over 1,300 miles separate the two states, but when disaster strikes, the National Guard within the state and nationwide, come together.
As the 1-265th Air Defense Artillery prepare to hand over the reins to their New Jersey replacements, they know that there is still more work to be done. Next, they will gear up, continue to move across the state and provide their services where needed.
| Date Taken: | 09.14.2017 |
| Date Posted: | 09.17.2017 14:18 |
| Story ID: | 248590 |
| Location: | PALATKA, FLORIDA, US |
| Web Views: | 402 |
| Downloads: | 2 |
This work, New Jersey National Guard Lends a Hand to Florida, by SSG Christopher Vann, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
