America's North Shore Journal

As Hurricane Ike slammed ashore on Sept. 13, 2008, the National Guard was already at work evacuating stranded citizens from their homes and other locations across Southwest Louisiana. By noon, members of the Louisiana National Guard’s 256th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, working in conjunction with local and state authorities, rescued 19 people, including three children, as well as four family pets, and responded to numerous calls for assistance from both civilians and other rescue agencies. The day began hours before daylight, as National Guard members prepared their rescue equipment and vehicles and themselves mentally for whatever the day might bring. Around 7 a.m., a line of high-water vehicles and Humvees loaded with troops rolled out of their armories to begin the process of locating those in need and getting them to safety. Almost as … Read entire article »