200th RED HORSE mobilized for Operation Guardian Twister

Photo By Senior Airman Grace Riegel | Airmen from the Ohio National Guard’s 200th RED HORSE clear debris from a section of U.S. Route 33 in Logan County, Ohio, March 20, 2024. They were mobilized to assist local authorities and state agencies in the wake of an EF3 tornado that struck the area March 14. (U.S. Air National Guard Photo by Senior Airman Grace Riegel)  

INDIAN LAKE , OH, UNITED STATES

03.22.2024

Story by Senior Airman Grace Riegel 

179th Cyberspace Wing

“Always ready, always there” is the Ohio National Guard’s motto.

At the direction of Governor Mike DeWine, the 200th RED HORSE Squadron activated members to assist in response and recovery efforts in Logan County on March 17, 2024, in the wake of an EF3 tornado that struck the area March 14, 2024. Ohio National Guard members are operating under local authorities and in cooperation with other state agencies including the Ohio Departments of Public Safety, Emergency Management, Transportation, and Natural Resources.

“We mobilized just an initial assessment team initially and then by that afternoon, we had a full equipment package with an advanced team here on site,” said Colonel Tim Grady, task force commander with the Ohio National Guard.

Members of the 200th RED HORSE worked to remove debris from US Route 33 in Lakeview to restore access to public infrastructure. Large metal, furniture, tree limbs, and personal belongings posed a hazard to drivers on Route 33 and needed to be removed before law enforcement could safely open the road for local commuters.

“It’s cleared up immensely and we’re doing everything we can to request resources from the state and coordinate all of that so things get moving very quickly and safely,” said Staff Sgt. Alexandria Dye, emergency manager with the 200th RED HORSE.

Community officials expressed their gratitude for the National Guard’s response.

“I will tell you that the guard is heaven sent. Had it not been for the guard we would not be as far along as we are. The debris from this storm is just unbelievable and we didn’t have the means to handle it,” said Logan County Sheriff Randal J. Dodds.

“We are blessed to have the National Guard here, creating safe access on US 33 to allow for our utility workers and contractors to come in and allow for restoration,” said Robin Reames, Russells Point Mayor, “We are Indian Lake strong!”

• Date Taken: 03.22.2024
• Date Posted: 03.26.2024 16:58
• Story ID: 466907
• Location: INDIAN LAKE , OH, US