FORT DRUM, N.Y. -- Approximately 20 Soldiers from the 10th Mountain Division Sustainment Brigade's 510th Human Resources Company deployed Aug. 30 from Fort Drum to Texas, where they would provide human resources assistance for active-duty units performing hurricane relief.
The unit received 24-hours' notice before their departure. It was not certain how long the Soldiers would remain in Texas.
"They're the definition of ready," said Col. Shawn Schuldt, 10th Mountain Division Sustainment Brigade commander. "They've been preparing for a moment like this, and they were ready when the call came. It really brings it home for you anytime you get to be part of something bigger than yourself."
For some, the mission is personal.
"Our primary mission will be to act as theater gateway for personnel coming into theater, ensuring that we have all their data and proper count so we can know not only how many supplies we need, but how much support we do have on ground," said 2nd Lt. William Scott, platoon leader. "And as someone who has a Family Member in Houston who's been evacuated, I take this very personally and very serious, to ensure that we're providing a helping hand as much as we can and making sure they know that the U.S. government is on their side."
The group departed from Fort Drum and flew out of Syracuse International Airport. After arriving at Kelly Air Force Base in San Antonio, they were expected to travel to an initial staging base closer to the devastated areas. From there, the 510th HR Company would perform regular human resources duties, keeping accountability of the active-duty Soldiers deployed in support of Hurricane Harvey relief efforts.
"It's good to be a part of this; it kind of reminds me of being a superhero, being called upon and hearing the cries from others," said Spc. Asjian Perry-Cotton, a human resources specialist with the company. "The 510th has prepared us for this; we're always prepared and always trained. It wasn't really a surprise at all that we're going -- this is what we're called upon to do and this is our job."
Maj. Gen. Walter Piatt, 10th Mountain Division (LI) and Fort Drum commander, met briefly with the Soldiers before their departure, applauding their readiness and charging them to care for each other as they joined the fight to help victims of the devastation.
"You get down there, and you're there to make a difference," Piatt said. "We've been all over the world, and now we get to go and help our own; that's a pretty good feeling. (Soldiers of) 10th Mountain wouldn't go if it was easy, and that's why we're sending you."
At the time of the Soldiers' departure, the affected area continued to experience sustained rainfall and rising waters, with 30 confirmed flooding-related deaths in the area. It is unknown how many active-duty Soldiers will deploy in support of the hurricane relief efforts.
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