Behind the Scenes: U.S. Army establishes command center to help Harvey victims

Soldiers will not leave until mission is complete, spokesperson says

SAN ANTONIO – The State of Texas has shifted into recovery operations following Hurricane Harvey.

The U.S. Army has a massive ongoing relief effort to support communities and local authorities in Texas.

KSAT went behind the scenes aboard a U.S. Army Black Hawk that traveled to the Army's Hempstead command center.

For many soldiers, the car dealership turned command center is home for the next few days.

Equipment  including military vehicles were parked inside the facility. 

“These vehicles have the ability to haul miscellaneous equipment. They have cranes so they can pickup heavy equipment. They can also move fuel.“ Maj. Gen. Brian Harris, JFLCC-F said.

Inside the main building, soldiers gathered information on where they should place personnel next.

The U.S. Army said, the command center has rescued 6,980 people and 130 pets.They have also distributed 485 pallets of water and 103 pallets of food.

Harris said the Army's goal is to get people back into their homes and reestablish normalcy for those impacted by Harvey.

The Red Cross has received continuous support from soldiers.

A spokesperson for the camp said they will not leave until their mission is complete.

"They are loading up their vehicles and they are getting into those affected areas where the people need that stuff,” Jolene Carpenter, site director with the American Red Cross, said as she listed off the supplies they had. “Baby formula, snacks water clothes."

 


About the Author:

Tiffany Huertas is a reporter for KSAT 12 known for her in-depth storytelling and her involvement with the community.