Army’s 101st Airborne Division lands in Greene Co. to provide aid to mountain communities

GREENE COUNTY, Tenn. (WJHL) — The Screaming Eagles have landed as members of the 101st Airborne Division made their way to Greene County. The mission: Provide aid to the Southeast.

“At the commander’s call, we were able to provide effort[s] in any way to North Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky,” said Sergeant First Class Devin Jarone with the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), 39th Brigade Engineer Battalion and 2nd Brigade Combat Team on Saturday evening.

The call for aid in the region came from Greene County Mayor Kevin Morrison. But, that call originally didn’t get answered.

“We appealed to the U.S. Military through our chain of command,” said Morrison. “Through TEMA, FEMA. But we initially got denied.”

Morrison said the aid finally was approved thanks to a former Greene County native, who now commands a unit within the 101st Airborne Division.

“[The denial] didn’t stop the commander,” said Morrison. “He kept working. And tonight, we have elements of the 101st Airborne Division on the ground, elements of the Cavalry unit there, and an Infantry Battalion of about 500 coming to Greeneville and Greene County.”

Sgt. Jarone said that while their mission will focus heavily on parts of Western North Carolina, that focus is subject to change as needs arise.

“Anything around here as well,” said Jarone. “That can always change if they need to place us to the north, east, south, west–it doesn’t matter. We’ll still get it done.”

Mayor Morrison himself is a veteran of the 101st Airborne Division. He said seeing the unit fly into town gave him a boost of confidence.

“To see 20 UH60 Black Hawk Helicopters and a chunk of CH-47 Chinook helicopters actually land in your hometown,” said Morrison. “[It] gives you a great deal of confidence. There’s really nothing that can reassure you like the U.S. Military being on the ground. And it’s a great shot in the arm for me because there’s a great measure of pride in my heart because this is my unit.”

Jarone said that the current plan is to stay only a few days, but that timeline isn’t set in stone.

“We’re always ready, whatever our commander is, whatever we need to do,” said Jarone. “We’ll still execute it no matter how long or how short that we’re here.”

Despite the circumstances, Morrison is glad to see his unit once again.

“We’re happy to welcome the Screaming Eagles to Greeneville, Tennessee,” Morrison said. “I can tell you that.”

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WATE 6 On Your Side.