Photo By Pfc. Azavyon McFarland | Alaska Organized Militia members, assigned to Task Force Bethel, offload relief...... read more read more
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BETHEL, Alaska — Alaska Organized Milita (AKOM) members delivered six pallets of food to a school in Nunapitchuk, a village about 25 miles northwest of Bethel on the Kuskokwim River, via an Alaska Army National Guard CH-47 Chinook helicopter Oct. 28.
The remote Yup’ik community was cut off from supply routes after remnants of Typhoon Halong produced a severe fall storm that struck Western Alaska earlier this month.
“Normally, these villages stock up ahead of time, but with the storm coming when it did, they didn’t have the access they usually rely on,” said Staff Sgt. Alicia Grub, CH-47 helicopter repairer and crew chief with the AKARNG’s B Co., 2-211th General Support Aviation Battalion.
Air Guard Col. Christen Brewer, the Alaska National Guard Joint Staff operations officer, said communities like Nunapitchuk and Kasigluk typically prepare well before winter or travel between villages once the river freezes up.
“This storm struck during that short window between open water and frozen river travel, leaving some communities temporarily isolated,” said Brewer.
With the storm striking unexpectedly between the seasons, Nunapitchuk was left without a safe way to replenish basic goods. The AKOM was requested by the State Emergency Operations Center to step in and help deliver supplies.
“Going into areas we’ve never been before requires us to be diligent,” said Grub, explaining that her team conducted aerial reconnaissance to identify hazards in the landing zone. “When the snow plumes up, it creates a cloud that makes it difficult to see the ground, so safety is our top concern.”
“It gives me a sense of pride,” said Grub. “You never want to see Alaskans going through something like this, but I’m grateful to be part of helping them recover.”
The shipment included milk, fresh produce, and canned goods to replenish the school’s food supplies.
“The SEOC determines which agencies can best meet a community’s needs,” said Brewer. “In this case, they identified the AKOM as the right asset to reach Nunapitchuk safely and quickly. We’re proud to support the state’s effort and help get essential supplies where they’re needed most.”
Grub said that the residents have been overwhelmingly supportive and thankful for the assistance.
“They absolutely love that we’re here,” said Grub. “They’re very grateful and welcoming for anything we can do to help.”
The AKOM continues to support affected communities throughout the recovery and stabilization phase of operations.
| Date Taken: | 10.31.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 10.31.2025 20:00 |
| Story ID: | 550599 |
| Location: | BETHEL, ALASKA, US |
| Web Views: | 36 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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