Minnesota Guardsmen to provide support for Hurricane Helene relief efforts

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
October 2, 2024

ST. PAUL, Minnesota – The Minnesota National Guard’s St. Cloud-based C Company,
2-211 General Support Aviation Battalion is sending two CH-47 “Chinook” cargo
helicopters to transport commodities and personnel throughout disaster areas. Eleven
soldiers will be activated in support of this mission.

Governor Tim Walz authorized the support following a request from North Carolina
officials through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC). The
compact allows a state affected by catastrophe to ask for resources based on their
needs. While any state can respond, there is no obligation to participate.

“The Minnesota National Guard is ready to assist the state of North Carolina and help
support people and communities impacted by Hurricane Helene,” said Maj. Gen. Shawn
Manke, Minnesota National Guard Adjutant General. “We take pride in being able to
answer the call when another state requests support.”

The soldiers are expected to arrive Friday and provide support for at least one week.
The request for support could be extended depending on the need for support of
ongoing aid efforts in the storm’s aftermath.

– About the Minnesota National Guard –

Established in 1856 and headquartered in St. Paul, the Minnesota National Guard has more than 13,000 Soldiers and Airmen who serve in 58 communities across the state. The Citizen-Soldiers and Airmen of the Minnesota National Guard are ‘Always Ready’ to fight the nation’s wars, protect the country, respond to state emergencies, and contribute to local communities. For more information about the Minnesota National Guard, visit https://MinnesotaNationalGuard.ng.mil.