Courtesy Photo | Sgt. Michael Strom, Valley City, N.D. signals directions to the operator of a...... read more read more
By Sgt. Jesica Geffre
LISBON, N.D. — North Dakota National Guard heavy equipment operators from the 815th Engineer Company (Horizontal), 2nd Detachment, put their skills to use here yesterday using the Hydraulic Excavator, or HYEX, to place one-ton sandbags on the waterfront to stop a dike from eroding into the river.
Staff Sgt. Matthew Hebl, Lamoure, N.D., non-commissioned officer in charge of the quick reaction force, sent a crew to respond to a request by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to stabilize a portion of the levee that was being affected by strong water currents from the Sheyenne River.
“We’re glad to get out and put our skills to work to help support the community,” Hebl said.
The HYEX, a track-mounted backhoe, was used because its arm can reach out and place the one-ton sandbags on the riverside of the levee.
The Lisbon Fire Department filled the bags and transported them to the location.
About 40 North Dakota Guardsmen are aiding the flood fight in Lisbon. The 191st Military Police Company also has contributed some of its Soldiers to the effort here. The role of the National Guard is patrolling dikes and serving as a quick reaction force in cases of emergency.
Sgt. Michael Strom, Valley City, is a heavy construction equipment operator for the Guard and responded to the call.
“We know we need to do our duty.” Strom said about being put on state active duty for flood operations.
Strom works for the engineering firm Kadrmas, Lee and Jackson as a civil engineer and said he’s received a great deal of learning experiences in both the civilian world and at his job with the National Guard.
“There’s a lot of knowledge that crosses over between the two,” he said.
That knowledge, and that of his fellow Soldiers, is now focused on helping Lisbon residents for as long as needed.
| Date Taken: | 04.20.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 04.20.2011 12:34 |
| Story ID: | 69037 |
| Location: | LISBON, ND, US |
| Web Views: | 93 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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