Military in Colo. aiding in post-flood recovery: Hundreds of Academy cadets ready to assist

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  • American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON (AFPS) --  Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel commended the efforts of active-duty and National Guard personnel supporting FEMA and Colorado emergency management officials as the state copes with the aftermath of last week's heavy flooding, Pentagon Press Secretary George Little said Monday.

Little said Hagel has supported Gov. John Hickenlooper's Sept. 13 request to establish a dual-status commander in the state.

Since then, Air Force Brig. Gen. Peter Byrne, joint staff director for the Colorado National Guard's Joint Force Headquarters, and his force of nearly 560 Colorado and Wyoming National Guardsmen, have evacuated more than 2,100 residents.

National Guard officers designated as dual-status commanders have the authority to command federal and National Guard forces during a domestic response.

In the absence of the designation, federal troops operating under Title 10 authority report to one commander, and National Guard members serving under Title 32 state active duty authority report to another.

"Active duty forces, through the coordination and direction of U.S. Northern Command, are complementing these National Guard assets in the overall response to the flood relief efforts," Little said. "Seven helicopters from the 4th Infantry Division at Fort Carson have been conducting search-and-rescue operations under immediate response authority."

Hundreds of Academy cadets are ready to assist, said Lt. Col. Charles Rinkevich, the Center for Character and Leadership Development's assistant director of integration and outreach.

"I've contacted the Colorado Department of Emergency Management with an offer to provide a few hundred cadets," he said. "We're prepared and ready to assist our community and state in any way we can."

Colorado Department of Emergency Management officials told Rinkevich flood mitigation efforts are in the recovery phrase but they would contact him if more assistance is needed, Rinkevich said.

Despite dealing with rough weather, the press secretary said, 4th Infantry Division soldiers have rescued more than 700 residents, including 85 elementary school students at a camp near Jamestown.

"This cooperative effort among active and reserve forces to protect lives in Colorado's flood-ravaged areas is a testament to the department's ability to provide critical and timely support to FEMA and first responders during a domestic crisis," Little said. "Our thoughts and prayers are with all of those impacted by the events in Colorado and we hope for the continued safety for all emergency response personnel involved."

Emergency workers reported the death toll to be eight as of Tuesday.

Buckley Air Force Base has been designated as a FEMA staging area.

(Academy Public Affairs contributed to this report)