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XVIII Airborne Corps Helene Hurricane Relief Update: More Supplies Delivered to Isolated Areas

By XVIII Airborne Corps Public AffairsOctober 10, 2024

U.S. Army Soldiers hand food and water to civilians in need in Marion, North Carolina, Oct. 9, 2024. As part of our homeland defense mission, the Department of Defense, through U.S. Northern Command and in support of FEMA, provides necessary...
U.S. Army Soldiers hand food and water to civilians in need in Marion, North Carolina, Oct. 9, 2024. As part of our homeland defense mission, the Department of Defense, through U.S. Northern Command and in support of FEMA, provides necessary support to civil authorities in the wake of any natural disasters when directed and approved by the Secretary of Defense. The DoD's collaborative, whole-of-government response efforts with interagency partners demonstrate our national capabilities and resilience. (U.S. Army Photo by: SPC Jaki Stitt) (Photo Credit: Jaki Stitt) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT LIBERTY, N.C. – XVIII Airborne Corps continues to provide much-needed relief to communities impacted by Hurricane Helene in in Western North Carolina by delivering humanitarian aid to the point of need, clearing routes with engineer equipment, and providing assistance in homes and local businesses.

U.S. Northern Command, the Department of Defense synchronizer for defense support of civil authorities, is overseeing the active-duty forces supporting the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) under direction of the North Carolina Dual Status Commander during these operations.

U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Nicholas Henley, 20th Engineer Brigade, XVIII Airborne Corps, provide medical aid to a local medical center at Elk River Airport, North Carolina, Oct. 9, 2024. As part of our homeland defense mission, the Department of...
U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Nicholas Henley, 20th Engineer Brigade, XVIII Airborne Corps, provide medical aid to a local medical center at Elk River Airport, North Carolina, Oct. 9, 2024. As part of our homeland defense mission, the Department of Defense, through U.S. Northern Command and in support of FEMA, provides necessary support to civilian authorities in the wake of any natural disasters when directed and approved by the Secretary of Defense. The DoD’s collaborative, whole-of-government response efforts with interagency partners demonstrate our national capabilities and resilience. (U.S. Army photo by SPC Zion Thomas) (Photo Credit: Zion Thomas) VIEW ORIGINAL

Over the past day, XVIII Airborne Corps Soldiers have distributed more than 140,000 pounds of humanitarian aid, including about 14 pallets of food, 15 pallets of water, and 160 pallets of miscellaneous goods. To date, more than 750,000 pounds of goods – including about 160 pallets of food, 190 pallets of water, and 330 pallets of miscellaneous supplies – have been delivered to affected areas.

“We remain committed to supporting the people of North Carolina,” said Col. Tanya McGonegal, commander, Joint Task Force-Civil Support. “Our Soldiers are working alongside local leaders, first responders, and community organizations to ensure aid reaches those who need it most, especially in hard-to-reach areas.”

In support of FEMA, the XVIII Airborne Corps continue to work with local officials to fulfill requests for propane, firewood, generators, and cold-weather gear as winter approaches. Soldiers are also providing assistance to local fire departments with supply distribution while ensuring road access in remote areas.