Biden announces sending 1,000 active military troops to help western NC

WASHINGTON, D.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — President Joe Biden is sending 1,000 active troops to assist with recovery efforts in western North Carolina, the White House announced Wednesday.

The White House says the Biden Administration is prioritizing life-saving and life-sustaining response efforts in impacted communities from Hurricane Helene, as well as ensuring people displaced from the storm have prompt access to federal resources that will enable them to both purchase essential items and begin their road to recovery and rebuilding.

As part of this coordinated response, the 1,000 active-duty soldiers are being sent to support the delivery of food, water, and other critical commodities to communities impacted by storm’s devastating impacts. These soldiers are part of an Infantry Battalion Task Force, based out of Fort Liberty, who will be available for deployment starting Wednesday.

“This action will provide additional manpower and logistics capabilities, enabling FEMA and other interagency partners to reach the hardest hit areas as quickly as possible,” the White House says.

The announcement comes the same day the president is traveling to North Carolina and South Carolina. He will take an aerial tour of areas impacted by Hurricane Helene in western North Carolina, receive operational briefings, and meet with first responders and local officials. He will also engage with first responders and officials in South Carolina. The President will also visit Florida and Georgia in the coming days.

Vice President Kamala Harris will also travel to North Carolina in the coming days.

The soldiers are in addition to the support the Department of Defense is already providing to FEMA for the Helene response, including:

• U.S. Army and U.S. Navy helicopters, soldiers, and sailors to provide critical capability to move personnel and supplies in areas where access via roads is not available or viable.
• U.S. Air Force aircraft, helicopters, and airmen to provide search-and-rescue capabilities.
• U.S. Army soldiers and high-wheeled vehicles to move personnel and supplies over roads and terrain damaged or impassable to normal vehicles.
• The Army Corps of Engineers is supporting with response efforts with Temporary Power Teams and subject matter experts to support for debris removal, water and wastewater management, and bridge inspections.

Although not operating under Department of Defense authority, m ore than 6,000 National Guard personnel from 12 states are spearheading the response effort across the impacted region in support of their governors.

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