Indiana National Guard answers call for storm relief efforts

INDIANAPOLIS - More than 70 Indiana National Guard Soldiers and Airmen deployed across the state to conduct water rescues, clear debris and support communities after heavy rainfall, flooding and damaging winds struck Indiana.

Hoosier Guardsmen supported the Indiana Department of Homeland Security and local civil authorities across the state to save lives, minimize damage and protect communities.

In northwest Indiana, Guard Soldiers with the 113th Engineer Battalion, based at the Gary Armory, helped remove debris and clear roads so utility companies could restore power and other essential services.

“This unit is based in northwest Indiana. Our troops are part of these communities,” said Lt. Col. Derek Sutton, the 113th Engineer Battalion commander. “We are proud to stand alongside first responders to help our neighbors.”

In all, Hoosier Guardsmen cleared more than 290 sites in northwest Indiana, 260 roads across the state and more than 3,500 cubic yards of storm debris. In Indianapolis and Anderson, Guardsmen assisted in more than 60 water rescues.

“When you work in an emergency response, you must be ready for anything. Our training prepares us for that, whether it’s clearing trees from roadways or evacuating people from floodwaters. We are willing and ready to help our fellow Hoosiers,” said Sutton, who is also the Indiana National Guard’s director of military support.

On Wednesday, Indiana National Guard Soldiers with the 38th Combat Aviation Brigade flew in more than 70 sandbags, each weighing 2,000 pounds, to help build a dam and protect the White River from wastewater runoff.

The Indiana Department of Homeland Security set up a disaster FAQ webpage to provide Hoosiers with information and resources.

The Indiana National Guard is an approximately 12,000-member force ready to respond to overseas missions and crises in the homeland. More than 75% of Hoosier Guardsmen serve in a part-time status and span varied professional backgrounds - bankers, teachers, lawyers, engineers and cyber professionals.