National Guard 400 strong in East Tennessee for flood duty

More than 3,300 people from East Tennessee have filed for post-flood assistance according to FEMA officials as many counties transition into recovery mode from Helene-the fourth deadliest hurricane to come on shore in the U.S.

The Tennessee National Guard has more than 400 soldiers conducting work in the region including repairing roads, clearing debris, and assembling packages of necessities for flood victims.

Joint Task Force Commander Lt. Meredith Richardson said troops have been grateful to be able to help fellow Tennesseans.

Our Guardsmen are consistently prepared and dedicated to serving our community. Join us as Lt. Col. Meredith Richardson, Joint Task Force Commander of the Tennessee National Guard Ground Element, shares insights into how our Guardsmen are actively responding to the needs of East… pic.twitter.com/RbeziCnisT

— Tenn. National Guard (@TNMilitaryDept) October 7, 2024

– CAPTION: U.S. Army National Guard Spc. Diamond Espinoza, a water treatment specialist assigned to Alpha Company,169th Divisional Sustainment Support Battalion, pumps water for a resident in Mountain City, Tennessee, Oct. 6, 2024. The Tennessee National Guard continues to support the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency and the state, county and local first responders in the areas impacted by severe flooding following Hurricane Helene.