Children provide free lemonade to Colorado National Guard members in Cokedale, Colo., Aug. 11, 2012. The 947th Engineer Company, Colorado Army National Guard, is installing culverts, cleaning ditches and repairing degraded dirt roads in the small town in southern Colorado. These repairs, in turn, will update and improve the town’s infrastructure by directing storm water runoff away from building foundations, and improve the overall quality of life in the tiny town. The 35 soldiers of 2nd Platoon have been working here since Aug. 4. According to town officials, Cokedale is also a National Historic District – the only intact coal mining town in Colorado and one of a few remaining in the country – so the soldiers’ work is also helping preserve history. Photo by Master Sgt. Cheresa D. Theiral. Click for a larger image.

DVIDS
Story by Master Sgt. Cheresa D. Theiral

Between suppressing flames and assisting law enforcement in the wake of deadly wildfires, Colorado National Guardsmen have had one of the busiest summers on record.

Lesser known, however, is the National Guard’s ability to prevent disaster.

To that end, the 947th Engineer Company (Horizontal), of the Colorado Army National Guard has been hard at work helping improve the quality of life in the tiny town of Cokedale, Colo., since Aug. 4.

The 35 soldiers of the company’s 2nd Platoon are installing culverts, cleaning ditches and repairing degraded dirt roads. These repairs, in turn, will update and improve the town’s infrastructure by directing storm water runoff away from building foundations.
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Marijuana plants await transport to a secure facility Aug. 15, 2012 near Rye, Colo. Using a UH-60 helicopter equipped with a hoist and nets, Colorado National Guardsmen helped move an estimated 7,000 to 9,000 marijuana plants — nearly $15 million street value — from two remote areas on nearby private property. Members of the Colorado National Guard Joint Counter-Drug Task Force’s Drug Interdiction section were called to assist the Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office move the plants, which are growing in steep terrain that’s impassible by motor vehicle. Photo by Master Sgt. Cheresa D. Theiral

DVIDS
Story by Master Sgt. Cheresa D. Theiral

Using a UH-60 helicopter equipped with a hoist and nets, Colorado National Guardsmen are helping move an estimated 7,000 to 9,000 marijuana plants — nearly $15

Using a UH-60 helicopter equipped with a hoist and nets, Colorado National Guardsmen help move an estimated 7,000 to 9,000 marijuana plants — nearly $15 million street value — from two remote areas near Rye, Colo., Aug. 15, 2012. Members of the Colorado National Guard Joint Counter-Drug Task Force’s Drug Interdiction section were called to assist the Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office move the plants, which are growing in steep terrain that’s impassible by motor vehicle. The operation is largest marijuana bust in Pueblo County history and one of the largest ever in Colorado.

million in street value — from two remote areas near Rye, Colo.

The grows are located on private property bordering the San Isabel National Forest.

Members of the Colorado National Guard Joint Counter-Drug Task Force’s Drug Interdiction section were called to assist the Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office move the plants, which are growing in steep terrain that’s impassible by motor vehicle.
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A UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter from the Colorado Army National Guard’s 2nd Battalion, 135th General Support Aviation, drops 500 gallons of water from a specialized bucket onto the Lower North Fork Fire in the vicinity of Conifer, Colo., March 28, 2012. Army National Guard photo by Spc. Bethany Fehringer

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Story by Sgt. Darron Salzer

Citizen-soldiers and airmen from five states are working alongside civilian first responders as they continue to battle wildfires in Colorado and New Mexico.

New Mexico Army National Guard members are still battling the Little Bear wildfire near Ruidoso, N.M., which is approximately 35 percent contained, said Guard officials.

The number of New Mexico Guard members has increased from 117 to approximately 218 since June 11. The New Mexico Guard has deployed three UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters, two equipped with Bambi buckets and one on standby for medical evacuations.

Guard members there are also performing roving walking patrols, setting up traffic control points, and handing out information to residents who could be affected by the wildfire, officials said.

In Colorado, Guard members there are also continuing to battle the High Peak wildfire near Fort Collins, said officials.
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