National Guard returns after Louisianna deployment
9:13 p.m. Wednesday, September 17, 2008
It was a homecoming for some dedicated troops.
600 Kansas National Guard members came home today after helping out in Louisiana. Many say it's an assignment they won't forget.
When these Kansas National Guardsmen arrived in Louisiana, 1 million people had no power.
Staff Sgt Michael Schmitz said, "It's hard seeing that kind of thing, even from Kansas with tornadoes and stuff like that. "
Photo Gallery
Images of Ike
Three Black Hawk helicopters and their crews from the 108th Aviation Battalion have been sent to help out in the aftermath of Hurricane Ike. View some of the pictures crew members took on September 16 while working missions around Galveston Island, Bolivar Peninsula and Crystal Beach.
The Baton Rouge region was flooded. Victims needed everything, especially the bare necessities.
Sgt 1st Class Phillip Witzke was reporting on the efforts.
"They did a tremendous amount of distribution, food, water, supplies, tarps."
The days were long and the work was hard, but worth it.
Staff Sgt. Matthew Davids said, "We miss our girlfriends, families, sons and daughters and all that. It was an experience. It was an experience that I hope the people of Louisiana, who I know are appreciative of our service down there."
Even as the convoy returned, the Guard says an experience like this is what being part of the Guard is all about.
Lt. Mario Polite says, "That's the good thing about being in the Guard is you get to go on these disasters and help people in need."
Other National Guard troops are in Texas right now assisting with Hurricane Ike recovery.
Photo Gallery
49 News Team embeds with National Guard members in New Orleans
View photos from the news team's trip to Louisiana shortly after Hurricane Gustav blew through.
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