South Raleigh News

President Biden has approved a request from Governor Roy Cooper for active-duty military personnel and equipment to aid in rescue, relief, and recovery operations in Western North Carolina. This decision follows the governor's earlier request for Department of Defense aviation resources, which had already been approved to help deliver personnel and equipment to the affected areas.

The newly deployed active-duty military personnel will join over 1,000 North Carolina National Guard soldiers who are currently engaged in distributing food, water, and supplies while conducting search and rescue missions. The National Guard has so far completed more than 1,400 rescues and delivered over 700,000 pounds of supplies.

Governor Cooper expressed his gratitude for the federal support: “We are bolstering our massive relief and rescue effort in communities impacted by Hurricane Helene and I am grateful for President Biden’s approval of our requests,” he said. He highlighted the ongoing efforts of the North Carolina National Guard working alongside federal, state, non-profit, and local emergency responders to save lives and restore essential services.

President Biden's authorization includes up to 1,000 active-duty military personnel tasked with delivering food, water, and other vital aid to communities hit by Hurricane Helene. These soldiers form part of an Infantry Battalion Task Force from the XVII Airborne Corps that includes members from the 82nd Airborne Division based at Fort Liberty in North Carolina. The task force is equipped with a Forward Support Company designed to stabilize critical lifelines and provide essential services. Troops are expected to be on-site within 24 hours.